The Women’s World Cup has reached the quarter-final stage with two last-eight contests to be played on Friday (Spain v Netherlands at 2am and Japan v Sweden at 8.30am) and two on Saturday (Australia v France at 8am and England v Colombia at 11.30am).
The competition has reached the business end in Australia and New Zealand and entertainment looks guaranteed.
- Spain to beat Netherlands
- Japan to beat Sweden
- Over 2.5 goals in England v Colombia
Netherlands In For Pain Against Spain
The Netherlands reached the 2019 World Cup final and the Oranje have collected three wins and a draw in the 2023 tournament, conceding only one goal along the way. However, that paints a rather pretty picture of a Dutch side, who crushed a weak Vietnam side 7-0 in the group stage, but could manage only a narrow 1-0 win over Portugal and could only draw against the since-eliminated USA.
Star midfielder Danielle van de Donk picked up a suspension during the Netherlands’ 2-0 last-16 victory over South Africa and that looks a major blow to Andries Jonker’s side.
Spain got the better of Costa Rica and Zambia in the group stage, before dominating Japan, but somehow managing to lose that contest. La Roja faced what looked like a tricky last-16 tie against Switzerland, but Jorge Vilda’s side made light work of that task, hammering the Swiss 5-1.
Spain look serious title contenders and La Roja can make the semi-finals with a victory over the Netherlands.
Bonmatí in top form against the Swiss
Japan Can Book Their Semi Spot
Japan have been seriously impressive in Australia and New Zealand and they look a good play to see off Sweden.
Futoshi Ikeda’s women topped a group containing Costa Rica, Zambia and a good Spain side and they then went on to beat Norway 3-1 in the knockout stages.
Japan boast what is just about the most convincing profile in the tournament, and while Sweden upset USA at the last-16 stage, the Blue and Yellow put a lot into that contest and Japan look a solid bet to reach the semi-finals.
Earps hoping to avoid another penalty shootout
Lionesses Look Ready To Roar
England needed penalties to get through their last-16 tie, after a 0-0 draw with Colombia, but the Lionesses showed all their attacking potential when beating China 6-1 in their final group stage contest and Sarina Wiegman’s side can find their scoring touch against Colombia.
Colombia caused a major shock when beating Germany and securing qualification to the knockout stages and they followed that up with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica. However, a clash against England represents a major step up and backing over 2.5 goals looks the best way to side with a dominant Lionesses triumph.
