The spectacular, and often dramatic, group stages have now ended - and a swathe of City stars played key roles in helping their respective nations reach the knockout stages.
Incredibly, all 14 of the Club’s representatives across seven nations at the prestigious competition have progressed into the last-16.
Here’s how they did it…
LIONESSES ROAR
There were high hopes for England entering the tournament and Sarina Weigman’s side haven’t disappointed so far.
The reigning European champions opened their campaign with two hard fought 1-0 wins over Haiti and Denmark, respectively, before lighting up Hindmarsh Stadium with a 6-1 win over China in their final assignment.
Not only did the strong victory over the Asian nation secure top spot in Group D, but it was also immensely memorable for those of a sky blue persuasion.
Skilful City wingers Lauren Hemp and Chloe Kelly both scored their first-ever World Cup goals in the success - with the former bagging her country’s second and the latter their fifth of the night.
READ ENGLAND 6-1 CHINA REPORT HERE
Across all three matches, Alex Greenwood has been a consistent presence in England’s backline, while Laura Coombs made her tournament bow in the 1-0 win over Denmark before featuring against China.
MAKING HISTORY
After helping Jamaica become the first Caribbean side to reach a World Cup in 2019, Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw spearheaded the Reggae Girlz into the last-16 for the maiden time in 2023.
Built on a watertight defence, City’s prolific striker’s nation opened their tournament with a respectable 0-0 draw with France, before recording a precious 1-0 win over Panama.
As a result, Group F was finely poised heading into the final round of matches with Lorne Donaldson’s side needing only a point against Brazil to secure passage into the knockout stages.
Despite registering just 27% possession against the South American team, Jamaica battled for the draw they needed – sparking jubilant scenes in the wake of their third successive clean sheet.
FIGHTING BACK
Australia have shouldered the pressure of being co-hosts of the World Cup with class and distinction while also showcasing their fighting spirit this summer.
City duo Alanna Kennedy and Mary Fowler have been key cogs in the Matildas machine, with the commanding centre-back playing every minute of their tournament so far and the pacey striker starting two out of three matches.
A narrow 1-0 win over a hardened Ireland side perfectly opened their campaign, before they were shocked in their second outing – losing 3-2 to Nigeria despite Kennedy getting on the scoresheet.
This meant they needed to beat Canada in matchday three to progress and they did so in style, winning 4-0 which included Fowler’s first World Cup goal.
SEVEN HEAVEN
The Netherlands have enjoyed a tremendous tournament so far which culminated in them winning Group E.
And City’s Dutch duo have been at the heart of the success.
In a tough group which included Portugal, Vietnam and reigning champions USA, the 2018 European champions have grown as the competition has progressed – scoring nine goals and conceding just once.
Jill Roord has scored three of them, while Kerstin Casparij has featured in their three, unbeaten, matches so far.
An opening 1-0 win over Portugal was followed up by a battling 1-1 draw with USA, before they fashionably beat Vietnam by scoring seven without reply.
SENSATIONAL SWEDEN
Filippa Angeldahl’s Sweden have been the, somewhat, surprise package at the 2023 World Cup after winning all three of their group matches.
Across the trio of successes, they have scored nine goals and conceded just once as they seamlessly marched into the knockout stages.
City’s versatile midfielder started their opening two Group G assignments as they beat South Africa 2-1, then Italy 5-0.
The impressive back-to-back wins secured Peter Gerhardsson’s team their place in the last-16 and all-but top spot in the table - prompting Sweden’s head coach to ring the changes for their final match against Argentina.
As a result, Angeldahl was rested among the substitutes ahead of their Round of 16 clash with USA.
ATTACK AND DEFENCE
Japan have made a statement of intent so far at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Across the 2011 World Cup winners’ three group matches, their defence wasn’t breeched and they scored 11 times across a trio of wins.
A 5-0 opening round win over Zambia set the tone, with City’s Yui Hasegawa registering an assist in the success, before she stamped her authority in their 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the following fixture.
Top spot in Group C was up for grabs as they faced Spain in their final assignment in the first phase of matches.
And they rose to the challenge by recording a memorable 4-0 win over the European side to further enhance their momentum.
GOAL GETTERS
Julie Blakstad’s made her World Cup debut in Norway’s narrow 1-0 defeat to New Zealand in their opening match, but they were undeterred by the result.
Hege Riise’s side followed up the loss with a well-earned 0-0 draw with Switzerland which handed them the chance of qualifying for the knockout stages in their final fixture against the Philippines.
And Sophie Román Haug hat-trick’s reflected a fine afternoon for Norway as they ran out 6-0 winners - allowing them to jump up to second in Group A and into the last-16.
The 1995 World Cup winners still have plenty of fight left in them as they look to extend their stay in the southern hemisphere.
CITY’S ROUND OF 16 TIES
Japan v Norway | Yui Hasegawa | Julie Blakstad | Saturday 5 August | 09:00 (UK) kick-off
Netherlands v South Africa | Jill Roord, Kerstin Casparij | Sunday 6 August | 03:00 (UK) kick-off
Sweden v USA | Filippa Angeldahl | Sunday 6 August | 10:00 (UK) kick-off
England v Nigeria | Ellie Roebuck, Alex Greenwood, Esme Morgan, Laura Coombs, Chloe Kelly, Lauren Hemp | Monday 7 August | 8:30 (UK) kick-off
Australia v Denmark |Alanna Kennedy, Mary Fowler | Monday 7 August | 11:30 (UK) kick-off
Colombia v Jamaica | Bunny Shaw | Tuesday 8 August | 9:00 (UK) kick-off
Stay close to mancity.com and our official app for City-centric reports on the above 2023 World Cup last-16 ties.
