DEBRECEN (Hungary) - The last eight at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 is now known after the Round of 16 was concluded on Wednesday in Debrecen.

Consequently the focus is now shifting squarely towards who can take further steps forwards the podium by prevailing in Friday's Quarter-Finals.

Sighs of relief from Spain after huge scare

Spain against Mali was a physical battle that went down to the very last minute or so

The biggest story of the day was almost one of the biggest surpirses in  the competition's history as Mali came close to pulling off a major upset. Winless heading into the contest against Spain, the result hung in the balance with 90 seconds remaining before the Europeans eased away 62-56. Mali will be cursing 34 turnovers, while Spain made life difficult for themselves with just 13 of 22 from the free-throw line. Iayna Martin Carrion was the hero with 20 points.

Showing they CAN-do it 

It's been all Toby Lee Fournier and Cassandre Prosper so far, but Taija Sta Maria rose up against New Zealand

Exactly a decade after securing their only podium spot at the event, are Canada on course for a second medal in their history? They continue to blow hot and overran New Zealand 70-36 to lean a little further towards that precious podium. With three wins and only a narrow loss to Spain so far, they're looking like contenders. This time it was Taija Sta Maria stepping up as she netted a team-high 17 points.

Sapphires sparkle at last

Australia celebrated their most impressive win so far in Debrecen

With just one win in the Group stage of the competition, the pressure was on Australia to deliver and they did so in style with an eye-catching 63-46 victory to parachute into the Quarter-Finals. They smashed their opponents 63-40 on the glass with Isla Juffermans and frontcourt partner Jessica Petrie both claiming double-doubles.

The devastating one-two punch of France

Dominique Malonga continues to impress in the paint for France alongside Marine Dursus

While France have had a super team effort so far and excelled in most areas, the one-two punch of Dominique Malonga and Marine Dursus is proving to be such a potent cocktail. Both players were again central to France making the last eight in their 86-38 success against Mexico as they combined for 26 points.

A bitter-sweet flavor for Japan

 Japan rejoiced after edging out Slovenia 64-58 to move to the Quarter-Finals, with Haruka Yagi impressing with 15 points and 7 boards. However, while that may have tasted sweet, their reward was altogether more bitter, since they must face the rampant USA in the last eight. The reigning champions were rampant in a 114-29 win against Korea, with 8 players reaching double-figures in scoring and Kennedy Umeh accumulating 10 points and 15 rebounds.

Euro duo deal with pressure to get it done

Hungary are still flying high and on course to perhaps match their Semi-Finals spot of 2018

They headed into their respective Round of 16 ties as big favorites but Hungary and Germany both still had to deal with the pressure of avoiding the upset in their respective games. The host nation swept aside Argentina 82-53 off the back of 21 points from the unstoppable Petra Toman. Meanwhile Germany dealt with Egypt 61-46 as Annika Soltau showed out with an immense contribution of 33 points and 14 rebounds. Jana Elalfy replied with a double-double of 15 points and 13 boards in defeat.

The Quarter-Finals pairings

Isla Juffermans has helped Australia recover from a bumpy start as they prepare to face Spain in the QF's

Hungary v Canada
Australia v Spain
Japan v USA
France v Germany

The remaining teams who did not make the Quarter-Finals will play the 9-16 Classification Games.

FIBA