Sweden Women will face off against Australia Women at Lang Park in the FIFA Women’s World Cup third-place match on Saturday.
Sweden are set to play their fourth third-place match in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This was clearly not their objective, as the team were gunning for their first title in the competition. However, winning bronze could be worthwhile compensation for the immense efforts they have deployed in this edition.
After knocking out the United States and Japan, Blågult became the top candidate for the title. They were favored by most predictions to overcome Spain in the semi-finals but they lost 2-1. Defeating Australia at home would be another huge feat but Sweden are highly motivated.
Australia reached the semi-finals for the first time in this edition. They were not billed to get the better of high-flying England and so their 3-1 defeat did not come as a surprise. However, the home side will hope to offer something to their supporters for their unwavering devotion to the team so far in the competition.
The Matildas will also make history if they win bronze as their best record remains a fourth-place finish. They will certainly enjoy a huge push but will that be enough to break Sweden? The Swedish team are one of the most complete in the tournament, boasting an impressive attack, midfield, and defense.
Sweden have played 46 World Cup matches, winning 27 as opposed to 10 wins in 32 matches for Australia. Sweden have lost only once in the ongoing World Cup. Sweden have scored 10 goals and conceded three in their last five matches. Australia have lost twice in the World Cup, scoring 11 goals and conceding six. Sweden have won four times and lost once in their last five matches while Australia have won thrice and lost twice.
From our experts’ view, this is Australia last chance to get a medal in the Women’s World Cup, and in years to come they might not have the opportunity to come this close again. The home support have helped propelled them this far and that support will be needed more than before in today’s game against Sweden.
To Bookmakers, it will be a close call and as a result have awarded odds of 2.40 for Sweden to win and 2.90 for Australia to get a win, leaving a full time draw at 3.50 odds.
PREDICTIONS:
- Full time draw