The quarterfinals at the Women’s World Cup are slowly taking shape, and on Friday, we have a very intriguing clash between a strong Japan side who have cruised through the tournament and Sweden, who shocked the title-holders, the United States, in penalties on Sunday. The kick-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand. The Japanese were extremely convincing in the Round of 16 with a dominant 3-1 victory over Norway and undoubtedly look like one of the favorites to win it all at this point. And while the Swedes didn’t do much against the Americans, they cannot be underestimated here. Below, find Japan vs Sweden 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.
Japan is the favorite with +118 odds for an implied win probability of 45.87%. Sweden comes back at +247 and has a 28.82% chance of coming out victorious. As for recent meetings, Japan has won four of the last seven against the Scandinavians, including a 3-1 victory in the 2011 Women’s World Cup, which they ultimately won.
Japan is a women’s football powerhouse, and they’re proving just why Down Under. As previously mentioned, the Japanese were the 2011 winners and made the showpiece in 2015, losing to the United States. While the 2019 tournament was a disappointing Round of 16 exit, Futoshi Ikeda’s side is surely looking like they could go all the way this month.
Japan was absolutely flawless in the group stages, finishing with a perfect nine points from three games, scoring eight times and keeping clean sheets in every single match, beating Costa Rica, Zambia, and most notably, Spain. The Asian nation hammered Espana 4-0 to the surprise of many, with Hinata Miyazawa scoring a first-half brace while Riko Ueki also hit the back of the net in the opening 45. Needless to say, Japan was utterly dominant.
While Zambia and Costa Rica weren’t the most difficult oppositions, Spain was no pushover, and Japan ran riot on them. There is no question the confidence will be high for the 2015 finalists here, especially after seeing Sweden scrape by the Americans by the skin of their teeth when they honestly shouldn’t have.
A victory is a victory, but Sweden was downright lucky to progress to the last eight. The Americans registered 11 shots on target and should’ve scored numerous times. Keeper Zecira Musovic was undoubtedly the star of the show and is the No. 1 reason the Swedes managed to advance. She made numerous mind-boggling saves to keep the Americans at bay.
And to be frank, the holders were atrocious in penalties, missing the net altogether on several occasions. Nevertheless, Sweden won’t be taking this opportunity for granted and has played solid football through the World Cup thus far. The Swedes were also perfect in Group G with nine points, notching victories against South Africa, Italy, and Argentina. They also conceded a mere one time.
The Blue and Yellow are no strangers to success on the World Cup stage, either. They were bronze medalists in 2011 and 2019 and even lost in the final in 2003. This is a program that knows how to perform on the big stage. Plus, they should be as motivated as ever to bounce back and put their best foot forward after things went their way against the USWNT.
I really do expect this to be a heavyweight encounter with no shortage of excitement. If Musovic can play the same way again, it’s going to be extremely difficult for Japan to find the back of the net. Although I do believe she will play a key part, the Japanese have looked just too strong to bet against. I expect them to prevail Friday in Auckland and book their place in the semifinals.
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