H2H History
There’s actually minimal history between these two countries. While on the men’s side they’ve clashed many times, the women have only met once. That match ended in a 1-1 draw in a 2022 friendly. Needless to say, they’re relatively unfamiliar with one another but have had similar paths to this point in the World Cup.
Can Spain Keep it Going?
Although Spain does have a plethora of talent throughout their squad, they really were seen as a legitimate threat in this tournament. But with the FWWC odds against them, La Roja has made some serious noise. Making the quarterfinals was a first for the women’s program, besting Switzerland in the Round of 16.
Then in the quarters, Jorge Vilda’s group didn’t fail to produce the goods. Mariona Caldentey put her side ahead in the 81st minute with a goal from the spot that looked to be the difference-maker, but the Dutch had other plans, equalizing in injury time. Extra time followed however and super-sub Salma Paralluelo won it for Spain in the 111th minute with a stunning finish after an incredible solo run.
Although the Spaniards did suffer a brutal 4-0 defeat in their final group-stage fixture to Japan, no team in the World Cup has scored more. La Roja has hit the back of the net 15 times, with three different players bagging three goals apiece: Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso, and Alba Redondo. The most impressive part? Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has barely played after recovering from an injury. She’s typically their best player. Spain has tons of firepower up top and deserves to be a slim +105 favorite at 888sport.
Sweden in Top Form
The Swedes are a regular in the latter stages of this competition, winning bronze in 2011 and 2019 while losing in the final in 2003. And this time around, they truly look capable of capturing their first-ever title. Sweden hasn’t dropped a single point thus far, soaring through the group stages with three dominant victories over Italy, Argentina, and South Africa.
Then once the knockouts rolled around, The Blue and Yellow came up against the holders, US. Despite getting outplayed in the Round of 16, Zecira Musovic was absolutely breathtaking in between the sticks, making 11 saves before Sweden won in penalties, eliminating the reigning champions.
As for the quarterfinals, Sweden took a first-half lead vs Japan through Amanda Ilestedt before Filippa Angeldal added another in the 51st minute. The Japanese got one back late in the second period, but it was too little too late. The backline has now conceded just twice in the tournament but will be tested by a vibrant Spanish attack. Given their impressive form though, the confidence will be high, despite being slight underdogs at most soccer betting sites.
