Eight became four at the FIFA Women’s World Cup last weekend, with Spain, Sweden, Australia, and England each winning their quarterfinal matches. As a result, Spain will take on Sweden while Australia will play England in the semi-finals on Tuesday and Wednesday night respectively.
Below, we preview and provide our best bet for both Women’s World Cup semi-final matchups and wish you the best of luck if following!
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Semi-Finals Betting Tips
Spain vs Sweden
Tuesday 6pm AEST, August 15th, Eden Park (Auckland)
The winner of this match will be the first nation to book their spot in Sunday night’s Women’s World Cup final, while the loser will be playing in the 3rd place playoff in the curtain raiser on Saturday night.
Spain were eventually able to capitalise on their dominance against the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, although it took until 111th minute in extra time to score the winning goal. They had 26 shots compared to the Dutch with nine, and also had the bulk of possession (62% vs 38%).
Ranked #6 in the world, Spain have put in four terrific performances at this tournament to date, sandwiching their only poor match which was a shock 4-0 loss to Japan in their final group match. Spain have had even contributions from their star players and have three women each on three goals.
Despite looking in complete control when leading 2-0 against Japan well past an hour into their quarterfinal match, Sweden can consider themselves fortunate to still be alive at this World Cup. The Japanese missed a penalty, hit both posts from a direct free kick, and had a further nine shots in the final 30 minutes of play, but somehow couldn’t find the equaliser.
Now the highest ranked nation left in the tournament at world #3, Sweden have made it to the final four of the Women’s World Cup for the fifth time in nine attempts. They’ll have their sights set on going one better than their best result which was at the 2003 World Cup where they finished runners-up to the USA.
Prediction: Although higher ranked and with an unblemished record at this tournament, Sweden will be the underdogs on Saturday night. That may initially seem bizarre, but when you put aside that result against Japan which seems like an anomaly, Spain have certainly played the better football of the pair and were much stronger in their quarterfinal match against a similar level of opponent.
With all of that said, Spain will have the majority of possession and more shots against Sweden, it just depends on how clinical they can be in front of goal. I fancy Spain to win without needing additional time.
Spain to Win (regular time)
$2.15 (2 Units)
Australia vs England
Wednesday 8pm AEST, August 16th, Olympic Park (Sydney)
Full preview and betting tips for the Matildas vs England here!
