Women’s World Cup LIVE: Spain v Netherlands 0-0 at half-time after goal taken away from Gonzalez; Japan face Sweden tonight

Spain, ranked sixth in the world, are favourites to progress to the semi-finals and claim the win over the Netherlands, ranked ninth. They were ruthless against Switzerland (bar one own goal, whoops) taking them apart 5-1.

However, the Dutch shouldn’t be discounted. They have been unbeaten so far this tournament (while Spain went down to Japan in the group stage 4-0) and are 2019 World Cup finalists, so they know how to go deep.

Lauren James’ World Cup is not over after a FIFA disciplinary panel decided not to punish her for stamping on an opponent against Nigeria with a three-match ban.

England had feared the maximum punishment would be dished out to the 21-year-old after she was shown a straight red card for standing on the back of Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie as she moved away from a tangle of bodies.

The sending off was for violent conduct, which could have carried a three-match suspension, but the Football Association defended the Chelsea star in her disciplinary hearing.

The offence was subsequently deemed to be at the lower end of the spectrum and James will only be suspended for two games.

That would mean she could play again at this World Cup as long as England reach the semi-finals.

Although James will miss any last-four encounter, she will be eligible to return for either the final in the event they win or the third and fourth match play-off should they lose.

England take on a dangerous Colombia side in the quarter-final in Sydney on Saturday.

The Telegraph, London

We know the Matildas aren’t playing today, but it doesn’t mean we can’t talk about them.

The next quarter-finals games will be played tomorrow in Australia, and it’s going to be epic.

First up is Australia v France in Brisbane at 5pm AEST, followed by England v Colombia at 8.30pm.

It’s an interesting match up for the Matildas, who beat Les Bleues 1-0 in a warm-up match the week before the World Cup.

How much that result tells us about Saturday night’s quarter-final between the two teams, and how much stock can be drawn from it, entirely depends on who you ask.

French coach Herve Renard has essentially dismissed it out of hand. In fact, if it was up to him, it never would have happened in the first place.

“I will be very honest with you,” he said after France’s 4-0 win over Morocco on Monday night in the round of 16.

“I didn’t decide to play this game. If it was me, we would not be playing against Australia before the competition. We just arrived four days [before], the players didn’t sleep very well to play this game. We were not at 100 per cent.”

Added midfielder Kenza Dali: “When we played this game, we were still in preparation ... it’s going to be a completely different game.”

Read the full story here from football writer Vince Rugari.

One change for both teams from the starting XI they put up for their round of 16 matches.

For the Netherlands, Damaris Egurrola moves to the starting side and Danielle Van De Donk starts on the bench.

For Spain, it’s a change up front in the forwards. Salma Paralluelo will move to the bench to make way for Mariona Caldentey.

Good morning football fans and welcome to the first of our Women’s World Cup quarter-finals.

Billie Eder and Marnie Vinall here to take you through today’s matches, and we really are in for a treat.

First up will be Spain v Netherlands at 11am AEST in Wellington, followed by Japan v Sweden in Auckland at 5:30pm AEST.

So, whether you’re working in the office or lounging on the coach, sit back, pretend you’re doing work, and enjoy the next eight hours or so of football!