The 2023 World Cup quarterfinals kick off Friday in New Zealand and Australia (9 p.m. ET Thursday in the United States), and there are sure to be fireworks. One of the most closely watched games will be Japan vs. Sweden, and not just because the winner will go on to play whoever wins the matchup between Spain and the Netherlands.
Japan midfielder Hinata Miyazawa is currently leading the race for the World Cup Golden Boot award, with five goals scored in the tournament. Sweden defender Amanda Ilestedt, meanwhile, is in a seven-way tie for third place with three goals.
WHO ELSE BUT HINATA MIYAZAWA đŻđ” pic.twitter.com/gEtJqAlFkj— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 5, 2023
WHO ELSE BUT HINATA MIYAZAWA đŻđ” pic.twitter.com/gEtJqAlFkj
There is a three-way tie for second place, with France forward Kadidiatou Diani, Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord, and Germany forward Alexandra Popp with four goals apiece.
All eyes will be on Miyazawa on Thursday to see if she can extend her lead, but donât expect her to boast if she does.
âI was happy to score two goals, but this was a team effort,â she said after Japanâs 4-0 win over Spain in the group stage. âThe defense did its job and I was given with the right pass at just the right time. This is what enabled me to put the ball in the net.â
Megan Rapinoe, the legendary U.S. women’s national team forward, earned the Golden Boot at the 2019 World Cup in addition to the Golden Ball, given to the top player in the tournament.
Here are all the top scorers of the teams remaining in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Hinata Miyazawa, Japan
Kadidiatou Diani, France Jill Roord, Netherlands
Eugénie Le Sommer, France Hayley Raso, Australia Alba Maria Redondo Ferrer, Spain Aitana Bonmati, Spain Jennifer Hermoso Fuentes, Spain Lauren James, England Amanda Ilestedt, Sweden
Catalina Usme, Colombia Esmee Brugts, Netherlands Rebecka Blomqvist, Sweden Stephani Catley, Australia Tanaka Mina, Japan Ueki Riko, Japan Linda Caicedo, Colombia Fridolina Rolfo, Sweden