The Women’s World Cup Just Got Serious

Switzerland vs Spain

Confession time: I had only watched women’s football fleetingly until last summer.

That wasn’t out of disrespect for the women’s game, more a fact that I watched a lot of the men’s game and there are only so many hours in the day!

That all changed last summer when I was wowed by Spain in what ended up being a European Championship defeat to England.

Yet the way the Spanish played that night impressed me enormously and, despite upheaval in their setup since then, they remain my outside tip to win the Women’s World Cup as they prepare to face Switzerland at Eden Park in Auckland.

Talking Points

Since last summer’s European Championships, it has been a turbulent time for La Roja.

Late last year, 15 of their regulars walked away from the national side in protest against the head coach, Jorge Vilda, and his backroom team. This forced Vilda to turn to players further down the pecking order.

They remain a fixture in the top 10 of the world rankings though and travelled to Australia and New Zealand optimistic of a long run in the tournament.

Recent form actually suggests there’s never a dull moment on or off the pitch.

They began the month by seeing off Denmark 2-0 before putting nine past Vietnam in World Cup warm-ups.

They trounced Costa Rica (3-0) and Zambia (5-0) to book their place in the last 16 before the Japan reversal.

The Swiss have been far less exciting but have been resolute.

After a 3-3 friendly draw with Zambia was followed by a goalless draw against Morocco, they defeated the Philippines 2-0 in their tournament opener before goalless draws against Norway and hosts New Zealand.

A lot has been read into the thumping Spain suffered at the hands of Japan.

The Nadeshiko sent out a powerful message that they mean business by destroying them 4-0 in Wellington.

Yet it must be remembered Spain had already qualified for the last 16 at this stage so could have been forgiven for taking their eye off the ball slightly.

Before Monday’s encounter they had not conceded a goal in 180 minutes in New Zealand and were one of the first teams in Europe to qualify for the tournament after an impeccable qualifying campaign when they finished eight points clear at the top of the table and did not concede a goal in eight games.

They also have Alexia Putellas on her way back, a player capable of delivering Women’s World Cup highlights at any given moment.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner is working her way back to full fitness following a serious knee injury which ruled her out for almost a year and managed just over an hour on the pitch this week.

The Swiss have been solid throughout, which is always an ideal platform because they are not scoring too many.

They only reached the World Cup with a play-off win over Wales after finishing runners-up to Italy in qualifying.

After taking care of business at their end and topping Group A, Switzerland are now aiming to reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Spain have netted eight times so far in this tournament, while Switzerland have not conceded so something has to give.

The winners of this clash could well face Holland in the last eight.

I think a Spain-Holland clash would be mouthwatering and that is my tip (see below).

History

The nations have met three times before with the Swiss recording one victory and Spain enjoying two successes.

In European Championship qualifying in 2011, Spain edged ahead 3-2 in a group game.

By the time of the return tie the following year, it was Switzerland who were celebrating as they overcame a half-time deficit to win a seven-goal thriller.

Their most recent clash came in the 2019 Algarve Cup as Jennifer Hermoso opened the scoring before an own goal sealed a 2-0 Spanish success.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Women’s World Cup betting odds suggest this will not be as close as the men’s Euro 2020 quarter-final two years ago, a match I remember well.

I do think it will be tight but expect Spain to have enough to progress.

That is probably why they are priced 1X2 @ 1.34 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.08 in contrast with the Swiss 1X2 @ 5.80 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 1.95.

The draw @ 4.60 is tempting, as is a repeat of their most recent meeting, Correct Score 2-0 to Spain @ 4.90.

My ** tip, however, is for Spain to prove their worth from the outset with First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.80.

 

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