2023 Women’s World Cup: USA vs Sweden predictions
It’s been a great World Cup so far. This weekend saw the beginning of the knockout stages. Spain, Japan and the Netherlands have booked their spots in the quarter-finals. But who will join them? The US or Sweden?
USA vs Sweden is Sunday’s last game. With the second half of the round of 16 taking place on Monday and Tuesday.
Here are some expert opinions on who might be booking a place in the last 8.
There have been signs in the group stage that the USA’s dominance at the Women’s World Cup could be coming to an end, and we think that they the record winners will be eliminated by a Sweden side that has been in fine form at the tournament, having won all three of their matches, scoring nine goals and only conceding on just one occasion.
Prediction: Sweden 2-1 USA – (SportsMole)
For the sixth consecutive World Cup there will be a meeting between Sweden and the United States – the last time they weren’t thrown together at some stage was last century. But this has a very different make-up amid the unexpected struggles that the Americans have been through.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski has been criticised for his selection choices and in-game management, with his team looking a shadow of their true potential. Sweden haven’t been perfect, yet this is arguably their best chance to get one over on their perennial rivals. But it will be super close.
Prediction: Sweden 1-1 United States (Sweden to win on penalties) – (90MINS)
It’s hard to see Sweden dipping form at this stage – having won their three opening games, and won them well. Unless there’s a major shakeup in the US camp, Sweden should walk this match – although we still expect it to start lively, the US midfield will continue to struggle and Alex Morgan will be boxed out.
The US will be without key player Rose Lavelle – a key midfielder – who picked up yellow cards in the group stages.
Prediction: Sweden 3-0 USA – (WTX SPORT)