And then there were four. We’re officially into the semifinals in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and there’s no shortage of quality left in the tournament. While Spain and Sweden meet Tuesday, all eyes will be on Wednesday as the co-hosts Australia lock horns with a very solid England side who just won the Euros last summer. The kick-off is scheduled for 6 AM ET at Stadium Australia in Sydney in front of an expected 70,000+ screaming fans. The Matildas pulled off an impressive victory in the quarterfinals, besting France in penalties. As for the Brits, they beat Colombia 2-1 Saturday. Below, find the Australia vs England picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and picks, check out the biggest Vegas online soccer betting sites if you want to bet on the Women’s World Cup.
England is a +128 favorite here for an implied win probability of 43.86%. The Aussies come back at +242 and have a 29.24% chance of coming out victorious. There are also odds available for who could advance and the Lionesses are favored there as well at -160. Australia meanwhile sits at +130. In five meetings since 2011, both sides have collected two wins apiece and drawn once.
Winning a World Cup title on home soil would be an absolute dream for the Matildas and it appears to be very possible. The Aussies have looked very good so far despite star striker Sam Kerr barely playing. The group stages saw them finish top despite a defeat to Nigeria on matchday two, ultimately responding with a massive 4-0 victory over Canada on matchday three.
Then once the knockouts rolled around, Tony Gustavsson’s side hasn’t disappointed. The Round of 16 turned out to be a 2-0 win over Denmark before topping France in spot-kicks over the weekend, as previously mentioned. Midfielder Hayley Raso has been Australia’s most clinical player in the final third in place of Kerr, scoring three times in five appearances. Defender Steph Catley also had two goals to her name.
Aside from the Nigeria game, the Matildas have been rock solid at the back, conceding a mere two times. Although Lauren James isn’t playing here, they are still going to be tested, though. England has tons of talent in the final third. As for Kerr, there’s a good chance she finally starts in the semifinals, easily the biggest fixture of the tournament for the Aussies.
The Lionesses announced themselves on the European stage last summer when they beat Germany in the final of the Euros. Fast forward to the World Cup and the Brits haven’t missed a beat, either. England was first in Group D with a perfect nine points from three games and has evidently stayed perfect in the knockout rounds.
The Round of 16 was probably their most difficult test yet, with the Nigerians proving to be a tough opposition. After 120 minutes the clash went to penalties where the English ultimately won. That was the match where James was handed a straight red for deliberately stepping on a Nigerian player but her ban will end for the final if the Lionesses can make it that far.
James has played fantastic football in the World Cup, proving to be one of the brightest young talents in the tournament. The Chelsea standout scored three times and supplied three assists in four appearances before being sent off in the Last 16. Forward Alessia Russo has been the other difference-maker up top for Sarina Wiegman’s squad, scoring twice. She bagged the winner against Colombia in the 63rd minute, too. England certainly controlled the majority of the ball versus the South Americans but they actually had more opportunities, yet couldn’t convert. The Brits equalized just prior to the half before Russo put them ahead for good.
The English haven’t scored a lot in the World Cup other than the 6-1 win over China, but their backline continues to shut opponents down, allowing only two goals. Kerr will be looking to wreak havoc, but she won’t have it easy.
I do expect this to be a highly entertaining encounter. As you could imagine, all the support will be for the Aussies, who are playing on home turf. I do think that means a lot and it will be a driving force behind the Matildas securing their place in the final. Take the Australia moneyline.
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