While Japan came through their group unscathed, Norway lost to co-hosts New Zealand in the tournament opener while a public spat threatened to derail their campaign before they eventually qualified.
"You can see the level of the World Cup is rising, so the women's game is growing fast," Norway coach Hege Riise told reporters.
"Now, they have developed quite fast and become a strong team."
Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda praised the teamwork that saw them keep three clean sheets in three wins to advance.
"Spain has very strong players... We look at them as a compact and strong team."
Persons:
Martin Luckie, Hege Riise, Amanda Perobelli AUCKLAND, Riise, Futoshi Ikeda, They're, Inka Grings, Grings, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge
Organizations:
Soccer Football, FIFA, Martin, Norway, Germany, New Zealand, Philippines, Thomson
Locations:
New Zealand, Norway, , New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Brazil, China, Morocco, Jamaica, Switzerland, Spain, Bengaluru