2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Semi Final Preview
In one of the most unpredictable World Cup campaigns in recent memory, the 2023 World Cup is heading towards what should be a thrilling climax. Spain, Sweden, England, and Australia have all had to survive serious scares to reach the semi-finals and it promises to be a fascinating pair of last 4 fixtures.
Spain vs Sweden – Eden Park – Tuesday 15th August
Spain (11/10)
Sweden (24/10)
Draw (22/10)
Two European giants kick off the semi-finals as Spain take on Sweden in the opening game of the last 4 at Eden Park, Auckland. Spain have grown into the competition in recent games, with their 4-0 thumping by Japan in the group stages now feeling a world away, whilst Sweden’s historic penalty shootout win over USA etching their status into World Cup history – regardless of how they progress from here.
Spain
It has been a tournament of two halves for Spain, who didn’t live up to their early tournament hype in the group stages. Seeing off Costa Rica and Zambia was fully expected but the way in which they crumbled to Japan had plenty of experts doubting their credentials moving forwards. However, they have come of age in the knockout rounds, hammering Switzerland before edging past the Netherlands to reach the last 4.
Sweden
For Sweden, the 2023 FIFA World Cup has been a real coming of age for a squad that not too much was expected of. Comprehensively seeing off South Africa, Italy and Argentina in an impressive group stage was a sign of things to come. The historic win over USA on penalties in the last 16 shocked the world, with Sweden able to back it up with a gritty triumph over Japan and they will have no fear heading into this one.
Spain vs Sweden Betting Tips
Over 2 goals in the match
In a similar vein, both sides do look to play some good stuff and they arguably have a few defensive issues to tackle too. The stakes simply could not be higher at Eden Park and both sides will be looking to get off to a fast start and get on the scoresheet.
Betting tip: Over 2 goals in the match (13/10)
Spain to win the match
For all of the plaudits that Sweden have rightfully enjoyed at this tournament, there is a feeling that this Spain side is ready to reach the heights many expected it to. This should be a superb game in Auckland and whilst Sweden will carry a threat, Spain should progress to the final here.
Betting tip: Spain to win the match (11/8)
Correct score: Spain 2 – 1 Sweden – (8/1)
England vs Australia – Stadium Australia – Wednesday 18th August
England (13/10)
Australia (5/2)
Draw (3/1)
European champions England step into the lion’s den as they take on Australia in the semi-finals, with both sides hopeful that they can live up to expectations and return the World Cup glory. England have huffed and puffed throughout the tournament, as have Australia to a certain extent – adding a fascinating backdrop to this fixture.
England
It has taken a while, but England have warmed to the task in the 2023 FIFA World Cup and are now in the semi-finals. Haiti were seen off in laborious fashion in the group stages, as were Denmark but China were thumped, enabling England to top the group. It was then penalty drama for the Lionesses who edged past Nigeria before they showed real heart to come from behind and beat Colombia in the last 8.
Australia
Dealing with expectation has been key for Australia but the Matildas find themselves in the last 4. In a tough group with Canada and Republic of Ireland, they managed to come out on top – despite an embarrassing loss to Nigeria in the mix. Seeing off Denmark in the last 16 was an impressive performance, before edging past France in the quarter finals kept the Australian nation on tenterhooks.
England vs Australia Betting Tips
Both teams to score in the match – No
In recent games played by both of these sides in recent rounds, goals have come at a premium and they both tend to prioritise defending over attacking. Goals don’t look to be forthcoming here, in a game that should ebb and flow.
Betting tip: Both teams to score – NO (7/10)
The match to finish as a draw
Whilst England are the slight favourites with the bookmakers heading into this one, home advantage will surely play into the hands of Australia. That said, there is so little to split these sides that it looks likely to end in a draw in normal time, with either extra time or penalties to settle it.
Betting tip: The match to finish as a draw (3/1)
Correct score: England 0 – 0 Australia – (15/2)
