After the first two of the Women's World Cup quarter-finals in New Zealand today, one thing is certain in this unpredictable tournament, a new nation will lift the trophy.

In nine previous editions of the FIFA Women's World Cup, four different countries have won the tournament. The last European winners, Germany were the first to go home, shockingly eliminated in the group stage, finishing behind Colombia and debutants Morocco.

Norway, winners in 1995, were next to depart, beaten 3-1 in the Round of 16 by another former champion, Japan, on Saturday. Then, the next day, the four-time winners the United States were eliminated following a penalty shoot-out against Sweden.

Today in Auckland, Sweden has knocked out the last remaining former world champion, Japan. The winners in 2011, the Asian team had dazzled with their play during four convincing wins so far, including a 4-0 demolition of Spain in the group stage.

However, they were unable to penetrate the Scandinavians' steadfast defence. Defender Amanda Ilestedt gave Sweden a first-half lead just past the half-hour with her fourth goal in five games. This matched the total of France's Wendie Renard to become the top-scoring defender at a single Women's World Cup.

Five minutes into the second half, the video assistant referee (VAR) awarded Sweden a penalty for handball against Fuka Nagano. Manchester City's Filippa Angeldal converted the spot-kick to make the game safe.

The Swedish goal survived the concession of a penalty when Japan's Riko Ueki struck the crossbar. The woodwork came to Sweden's rescue once again in the 87th minute when a Aoba Fujino free kick hit the bar, ricocheted off goalkeeper Zećira Mušović and onto the post again. Japan's pressure finally paid off in moments later when Honoka Hayashi scored the first goal against Sweden at the Women's World Cup in 339 minutes of play.

Earlier in the day, Spain, so humbled by Japan earlier in the tournament, became the first confirmed semi-finalists, defeating 2019 runners-up, Netherlands 2-1 after extra time. It is the first time the Spanish women's team have reached a major semi-final this century.

Tomorrow, hosts Australia will also look to make their first Women's World Cup semi-final when they take on 2011 semi-finalists France. European champions England will then face the lowest-ranked side remaining in the competition, Colombia, for the final semi-final place.

Of the six teams left in the Women's World Cup, only Sweden has previously reached the final, losing 2-1 against Germany to a Golden Goal in Carson, California. That final 20 years ago was also the last occasion in which the match was played without a former world champion.

That day, Germany also become the first, and so far, only nation to have emerged victorious in both the men's and women's World Cup. One of England, France or Spain could yet emulate them at the end of the final at Stadium Australia on Sunday, July 20.

Two European nations, Spain and Sweden, will contest the first semi-final in Auckland on Tuesday. Only Australia and Colombia can now prevent the first-ever all-European line-up in the last four.

The Australian coach Tony Gustavsson is the only participant remaining in this year's Women's World Cup with a winner's medal. Gustavsson was the assistant coach to Jill Ellis when the United States lifted the trophy in 2015 and 2019. If he or England's Sarina Wiegman lead their teams to victory, they will be the first-ever foreign national to coach a side to win the Women's World Cup.