The eight teams in the quarterfinals represent some traditional powers, one previous World Cup winner, and two teams making their debut in the final eight.
The United States' hold on the Women's World Cup is over, and two-time champion Germany also exited the tournament. Olympic gold medalist Canada was bounced, and Marta and her Brazil team were knocked out before she had a chance to become the first player to score in six World Cups. Yes, the heavyweights of women's soccer have all been eliminated, and yes, it has created a wide-open World Cup.
Round of 8: Women's World Cup is wide open after so many heavyweights eliminated apnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from apnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Women's World Cup five quick hits: Nouhaila Benzina makes history with Islamic headscarf and Marta shoots for elusive title with Brazil abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.