The ultimate Paris Olympics women’s soccer quarter-finals preview

The GIST: Don’t let the drone use denials distract you — tomorrow is all about the on-field footy action, with an epic day of quarter-final clashes ahead. Check out this game-by-game preview, then pick your champion before kickoff. Who knows, you might just be a winner yourself.

No. 5 USWNT vs. No. 7 Japan at 9 a.m. ET: The day is starting off with a bang, because this opener promises fireworks. Much like the recently-jelling American squad, the Japanese move the ball quickly, which could pose a problem for a USWNT defense that’s considerably less solid heading into this one.

• Defensive midfielder Sam Coffey is ineligible to play due to yellow card accumulation, and injured center back Tierna Davidson may not be ready to return to the pitch, making it all the more important for the red, white, and blue’s Big Three to strike early (and often).

No. 1 Spain vs. No. 22 Colombia at 11 a.m. ET: This match is a classic powerhouse vs. underdog showdown: Spain, the defending FIFA Women’s World Cup champs, are dazzling in their Olympic debut, while up-and-coming Colombia has had a quiet campaign. Case in point? Star Colombian striker Linda Caicedo has failed to score in the tourney, but there’s no time like the present to shine.

No. 8 CanWNT vs. No. 4 Germany at 1 p.m. ET: Defending gold medalist CanWNT is all fired up following their unlikely group stage triumph, successfully led by captain Jessie Fleming’s two assists and one goal.

• Germany’s offense is known for causing problems, but if rookie defender Jade Rose keeps up the good work and defender Vanessa Gilles continues to find the back of the net, Canada just might soar into the semis.

No. 2 France vs. No. 9 Brazil at 3 p.m. ET: With the legendary Marta suspended from tomorrow’s game, Brazil has a steep hill to climb against hosts France, who boast forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto and her five goals this tourney. But if anything can energize As Canarinhas, it’s the chance to give the Queen of Football one last run on the Olympic pitch.