Round of 8: Women’s World Cup is wide open after so many heavyweights eliminated

AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — The United States’ hold on the Women’s World Cup is over, and two-time champion Germany also exited the tournament. Olympic gold medalist Canada was bounced, and Marta and her Brazil team were knocked out before she had a chance to become the first player to score in six World Cups.

Yes, the heavyweights of women’s soccer have all been eliminated, and yes, it has created a wide-open World Cup.

The eight teams that advanced to the quarterfinals represent some traditional powers, one previous World Cup winner and…