Paris 2024 Olympics: Women's quarter-finals predictions

The quarter-finals of the women's football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics get underway on Saturday as the final eight teams battle it out for a spot in the semi-finals.

A dramatic group stage came to a close earlier this week as New Zealand, Australia, Zambia and Nigeria crashed out. USA, Japan, France, Spain, Colombia, Brazil, Canada and Germany all progressed to the knockout stages.

Ahead of what should be an exciting day of football, 90min has predicted Saturday's games and who is most likely to progress to the final four.

USA vs Japan

Four-time gold medalists USA are among the favourites to clinch the big prize once again in Paris. Under the stewardship of Brit and former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, they are back in form and firing on all cylinders after suffering a shock early exit at the World Cup 12 months ago.

Japan, on the other hand, finished second in their group behind Spain but remain one of the strongest contenders still standing. This is a longstanding rivalry in the women's game, although the US often come out on top with 28 wins out of 37 matches.

It will no doubt be an extremely tight and fiercely contested affair between two of the world's strongest nations. However, given the USA's recent revival under Hayes, they're likely to edge it.

Prediction: USA 2-1 Japan

Spain vs Colombia

One of the standout fixtures of the quarter-finals is Spain's matchup with Colombia. The 2023 World Cup winners are in formidable form and will be tough opponents for anyone at this summer's games.

Colombia's World Cup hopes were ended by England at the quarter-final stage last summer and it's likely to be a similar story at the Olympics. Spain just look imperious right now, but it's worth noting Colombia will be boosted by the return of Mayra Ramirez after the Chelsea striker served a two-game suspension following a red card against France in their opening group game.

Prediction: Spain 3-0 Colombia

Canada vs Germany

It's been a dramatic campaign for Canada so far, but for all the wrong reasons. Their time in France has been marred by controversy following a drone spying scandal and they remain without head coach Beverly Priestman.

However, the team have performed on the pitch despite the setbacks and recovered from a six-point deduction to finish second in their group, sealing progression to the knockout stages. They're one step closer to retaining the Olympic title they claimed in Tokyo a few years ago.

Germany, on the other hand, finished second in their group behind the USA and were heavily beaten by Hayes' side. The glimmer of vulnerability shown during the group stage means this won't be a straightforward win for Horst Hrubesch's side, but they should just about come out on top.

Prediction: Canada 2-3 Germany

France vs Brazil

Hosts France will be looking to put on a performance in front of a home crowd on Saturday. However, even though they finished top of the group, it was only because of Canada's points deduction and they were in fact beaten by the holders in their second game.

Brazil progressed as one of the best third-place teams, so they're certainly underdogs heading into Saturday's clash. They will also be without taliswoman and legend Marta for their quarter-final after she was sent off in their final group game.

Prediction: France 2-0 Brazil

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