BEIJING (SW) - The quarter finals stage of the Olympic Women's Tournament is about to kick off in China. Which countries have the best chances of making it to the next round? Here's an overview.

The United States face neighbouring Canada in a match that is expected to be rather one-sided. The last two meetings, both friendlies, had the USA win 6-2 and 4-0 respectively.

But Canada will remember their lost World Cup qualification match with the United States in 2006, where they came so close to beating their rivals. The Americans eventually walked away with a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a goal scored in extra time.

Bar surprises, the USA should be able to achieve an easier win this time.

Brazil, one of the favorites for this tournament, face the Norwegians in the second quarter final. Their most recent meeting was at the 2003 World Cup when Brazil won 4-1 in the group phase. Both teams would advance to the quarter finals though, just to be knocked out in that stage.

With Marta spearheading the Brazilian attack, it is no surprise that her side are clear favorites to make it to the next round.

An Asian clash follows later on Friday with hosts China taking on Japan. China are favorites, although the difference between these two teams shouldn't be as visible as in the previous two quarter finals.

China may be hosts, but Japan have won all of their last three games, which were on top of that all played in China. In February this year, the Japanese even took a 3-0 friendly victory. China will be warned.

Possibly the most spectacular quarter finals has World Champions Germany face Sweden for a repeat of the 2003 World Cup final.

Germany won that final 2-1 in extra time, and went on to win all of their three meetings since.

Sweden have lost much of the strength that they had in 2003, but still should be considered for a shock result. Realistically however, the Germans should simply push aside the Scandinavians for a place in the semi finals.