Caldentey the star as World Cup favourites Spain dominate quarter-final best XI

 

Spain, Sweden, Australia and England all progressed to the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup over the weekend and the quartet all feature in the quarter-final best XI. 

 

Mackenzie Arnold (Australia) - 8.16 

 

Australia's hero in their penalty shoot-out win over France features between the sticks. Mackenzie Arnold may have missed a decisive penalty that would have won the shoot-out prior to sudden death, but the 29-year-old was still vital for the co-hosts having saved three penalties to help land a WhoScored rating of 8.16. 

 

Elisa de Almeida (France) - 8.70 

 

Despite France's exit, they still impressed in their defeat to Australia, with Elisa de Almeida the first of two France representatives. The 25-year-old was difficult to get the better of having made 10 clearances, six interceptions and five tackles during her time on the pitch. As such, De Almeida is good value for her inclusion with a WhoScored rating of 8.70. 

 

Wendie Renard (France) - 9.11 

 

The player of the match in France's shoot-out defeat to Australia, Wendie Renard played her part for Herve Renard's side having earned a WhoScored rating of 9.11. The 33-year-old won 12 aerial duels, and made seven clearances, four tackles and two interceptions to cap a solid showing despite France's exit. 

 

Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden) - 8.03 

 

There is no stopping Amanda Ilestedt at the World Cup. The Sweden centre-back partners Renard at the back having bagged her fourth goal of the competition in their 2-1 win over Japan. In addition, the 30-year-old made seven clearances, four tackles and two interceptions to justify a WhoScored rating of 8.03. 

 

Manuela Vanegas (Colombia) - 7.07 

 

Rounding off the backline is Colombia defender Manuela Vanegas. The youngster stood her ground effectively having made seven tackles, four interceptions and three clearances in Colombia's eventual 2-1 defeat to England to return a WhoScored rating of 7.07. 

 

Salma Paralluelo (Spain) - 7.82 

 

The first of three Spain players to make the cut, Salma Paralluelo was La Roja's match winner in their 2-1 extra time win over the Netherlands. The 19-year-old struck with one of two shots in the victory and worked hard out of possession for her side, too, as she made two tackles and one interception to help yield a WhoScored rating of 7.82. 

 

Caldentey the star as World Cup favourites Spain dominate quarter-final best XI

 

Teresa Abelleira (Spain) - 9.07 

 

A regular in the team of the rounds, Teresa Abelleira is the second Spain player in the quarter-final best XI having earned a WhoScored rating of 9.07. While she was unable to contribute towards a goal, it wasn't for want of trying as Abelleira made four key passes and managed two shots. She dominated the midfield having made five tackles and three interceptions against the Netherlands. 

 

Leicy Santos (Colombia) - 8.16 

 

The second Colombia player in the team partners Abelleira in the middle of the park. Leicy Santos put Las Cafeteras ahead shortly before half time on Saturday as she lobbed Mary Earps from the right, netting with one of two shots. The 27-year-old was a handful for the England backline, too, as she made three key passes and completed three dribbles to feature with a WhoScored rating of 8.16. 

 

Mariona Caldentey (Spain) - 9.17 

 

The third Spain player in the side completes the midfield. Mariona Caldentey returned the player of the match award against the Netherlands having landed a WhoScored rating of 9.17. The 27-year-old hit the back of the net with one of four shots and completed an impressive nine successful dribbles, a record in a single match at the tournament. Caldentey also made four key passes to contribute towards her player of the round accolade. 

 

Lauren Hemp (England) - 8.22 

 

England's sole representative features on the frontline. Just as it seemed Colombia would go in at the break ahead, Lauren Hemp capitalised on an error by Catalina Perez to fire the Lionesses' level. The goal came from Hemp's only shot against Colombia, while an additional five successful dribbles contributed towards a WhoScored rating of 8.22. 

 

Mary Fowler (Australia) - 8.13 

 

Partnering Hemp on the frontline is the second Australia player in the side. Mary Fowler may have failed to score across 120 minutes of game time, but it wasn't for want of trying as the 20-year-old mustered seven shots. She scored her penalty in an exciting shoot-out win over France to make the cut with a WhoScored rating of 8.13.

Caldentey the star as World Cup favourites Spain dominate quarter-final best XI