Argentina vs Sweden
They are already in the Round of 16 after winning their first two games and now Group G leaders Sweden are ready to make it three from three when they meet Argentina on Wednesday in Hamilton.
Sweden have been the ‘nearly nation’ for so long and now their fans are dreaming of Women’s World Cup success after they thrashed Italy 5-0 on Saturday morning, and they face an Argentina side which is staring into the face of elimination. The underdogs have picked up just one point from their first two games and trail Italy who have three, and the Italians are likely to make their way through to the Round of 16 when they face South Africa.
Talking Points
Swedes are looking so strong
Sweden’s face-off with Italy was all over by half time as they flew into a three-goal lead. Defender Amanda Ilestedt scored twice to make it three goals for the competition and that means she is joint top scorer in the tournament after two rounds. A three-goal blitz just before half time blew the Argentina side away as Ilestedt started the rout when she headed home a corner from Jonna Andersson; and goals from Fridolina Rolfo and Stina Blackstenius ended the contest by half time. Ilestedt headed home her second just after the break and substitute Rebecka Blomqvist rounded off the 5-0 win in injury time.
Sweden’s great strength is from set pieces where, led by Ilestedt, they dominate the air, scoring four of their seven goals so far from corners. Andersson sends in an in-swinging corner and, taking advantage of any lack of height in their opponents, the Swedish powerhouses convert, often from within the six yard box.
It may not be total football and the purists might not like it, but it’s certainly effective and the 5ft 10 in Ilestedt has a great chance to challenge for the Golden Boot. The Arsenal star is one of the best defenders in the game too and a talismanic figure for the ambitious Swedes. And any team which relies on set pieces will generally have less possession and needs to defend well. This was the case, even against Italy when Sweden keeper Zecira Musovic pulled off a superb save in the first minute to deny Italy’s Sofia Cantore, and again in the 17th.
A big heart won’t be enough for Argentina
After losing their opener to Italy, battling Argentina came from two goals behind to draw with South Africa after they fell behind on 30 minutes and then further behind on 66. They had plenty of possession but without an end result and Argentina failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes. But, with a quarter of the game left to play, the Argentines found inspiration and eventually produced a brilliant goal with 16 minutes left on the clock. Midfield ace Sophia Braun picked up the ball some 20 yards out and fired a beauty into the top right corner of the South African net.
Check out Braun’s strike on the Women’s World Cup 2023 highlights…it is well worth another look. And when Romina Nunez headed home the leveller the Argentina fans went crazy. “We never gave up and we played our hearts out,” said Braun. “We wanted to win but we are happy with this comeback. We are looking forward to playing Sweden. It will be another battle and we are ready for it.”
There is no doubting the Argentina battling spirit but I doubt they have enough quality in depth to beat a powerful and experienced Sweden.
History
Sweden have made nine appearances at the World Cup, finishing as runners up in 2003, and they were European Champions back in 1984.
Argentina have been at the World Cup finals four times and are yet to navigate the group stage, and they were the Copa America Feminana champions in 2006.
In terms of recent form both teams have won three, drawn two and lost one of the last six games, but look a little closer and you see the Swedes played Germany, Denmark and Norway before the tournament began while Argentina had two games against Venezuela women among their six.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP odds make Sweden hot favourites to win this game and, ranked third in the world by FIFA, above England, France and Spain, that is no surprise. In fact, the latest Women’s World Cup 2023 betting odds have installed Spain as second favourites, hot on the heels of the USA.
If, as expected, Sweden fly through to the knockout phase with nine points, then fans of the other nations will start to sit up and take notice.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
