The competition kicks off at 15:00 BST. at the Parc des Princes with the Americans taking on Japan. It is a clash that already took place in the London 2012 final and ended in an American victory. The team coached by Emma Hayes comes into the match having won everything in the group stage and with an attacking trident that promises dynamite: Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith. "Honestly, we're like sisters. This group we have now is special and we're having a lot of fun," says Swanson.

For their part, the Japanese side are full of optimism after a dominant display of speed and attacking force in their win over Nigeria. With Futoshi Ikeda's girls overcoming the loss to Spain, the battle seems assured.

Spain wants more

A couple of hours later in Lyon, it will be the turn of the Spanish team, who are in the midst of their finest hour after winning every possible point in the preliminary round with some ease. Their opponents will be Colombia, who have managed to advance after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

Although Spain have Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí in their ranks, who is always a boost, Alexia Putellas has warned her team-mates not to underestimate the South Americans. "It's going to be difficult to win everything," said the midfielder, who understands that the teams are defending very well against them.

On the other side, the Tricolor have Mayra Ramirez back for this match, having just come back from suspension after receiving a straight red card. Catalina Usme, the team's top scorer, could be another addition to the squad, as the player, pending a medical report, appears to have overcome the physical problems she has been carrying.

Canada, mentally recovered

Marseille will host the Canada-Germany match at 19:00 BST. The Tokyo 2020 champions will try to reach the semi-finals with the relief of having made it out of the group stage in the midst of controversy and with the stage set against them. FIFA deducted six points from the Canadian team because members of their staff were accused of spying on New Zealand's training sessions with a drone.

Despite the adverse weather, Andy Spence's players have been coming through games to get here. On Wednesday they beat Colombia to make it a 100 per cent record in this competition. "We always knew we could do it. The odds were against us, but we did it," said defender Vanessa Gilles, who scored goals against France and Colombia.

Somewhat more shaky on the football front appears to be the Bavarian side, who although they scored four goals against Zambia in their last match, have already conceded a couple of goals to the Americans and the Australians. Their coach, Horst Hrubesch, will be looking to improve on the defensive withdrawal, which has so far been the Germans' weak point.

Brazil, without Marta

France and Brazil close the day's action at La Beaujoire stadium in Nantes. The Brazilians will be handicapped by the absence of their legendary captain, Marta, who is suspended after a red card against Spain in the last match. Rio's record at these Games is far from encouraging; they have only won once.

Hervé Renard's French side may not have been convincing in the opening round either, but they have a lethal striker in Marie-Antoinette Katoto, the tournament's top scorer with five goals. "Marie leads the team because she is very accurate," Renard said after the 2-1 win over New Zealand on Wednesday. "She doesn't need many chances to score."