**Spain vs. Sweden** The **“nearly there”** Swedish women find themselves in yet another World Cup semi-final after beating Japan 2-1 in the quarter-final over the weekend. This will be the 5th appearance for the Swedes at the stage of the competition, though they’ve only progressed to the finals once; in 2003. With semis losses in 1991, 2011 and 2019, they’ll hope to avoid becoming the first team to lose in 4 different semi-finals. Guided by Peter Gerhardsson, the Swedish team has experienced notable advancement, although it has been gradual. Since assuming the role in 2017, he led the team to a quarter-final position in EURO 2017, won a silver medal at the 2021 Olympics, and reached the semi-finals in EURO 2022. Notably, they eliminated the last two previous titleholders, the current world champions USA and the 2011 victors Japan. With these successes, and with no former winner left in the tournament, the Swedes should feel that fate favors them as a new champion will be crowned. One of our betting tips for today is for them to go all the way and be world Champions for the first time. At 5.25, this is a very rewarding betting offer.
Despite remaining unbeaten all tournament, there are a few questions about the Swede’s attack. While they’ve been solid in defense, conceding just twice all tournament - thanks to the heroics of Zećira Mušović in goal - their offensive efforts in open play have left a lot to be desired as they’ve lacked clinical precision. However, their true strength lies in their proficiency with set pieces. Boasting an average height of 1.71m, Sweden stands as the third-tallest team in this competition. Interestingly, they have harnessed this advantage more frequently than both Denmark and Germany, who surpass them in the average height rankings. Their utilization of aerial plays has yielded formidable results, particularly showcased by center-back **Amanda Ilestedt** , who has netted **four goals** in the tournament, three of which were headed goals from corner-kicks. She’s an unlikely Golden Boot candidate and we can’t help but back her as an **anytime Scorer @10.70.** Given her track record, it could be worth a shot given the high odds. Standing in the way of the Swedes is Spain, who are the betting favorites @2.10. Spain has not been a dominant force in women’s football, and their current semi-final appearance marks their deepest advancement in the tournament. In recent years, however, they have replicated the success of the Barcelona Femini side on the national stage, drawing parallels to their men’s team’s achievements in the late 2000s & early 2010s when they won the World Cup victory and two European Championships. One of Spain’s greatest strengths is their depth which they’ve utilized to great effect, and this has made up for their best player and two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Alexia Putellas not playing at her best, no thanks to the ACL injury that kept her out for most of last season. Instead, Aitana Bonmatí, Putellas’ teammate at Barcelona, has taken the spotlight for Spain by scoring three goals and providing two assists. She’s someone Sweden will need to keep an eye on. Throughout this tournament, the Spanish team has delivered captivating performances, netting 15 goals across their five matches while allowing six goals in return. Notably, each of these five games has seen over 2.5 goals scored, and our online sports betting enthusiasts here at BetKing can enjoy the best odds of 2.37 for this trend to continue. **Bet Predictions**
**Australia vs. England** For the second time in a row in the knock-out stage, England avoided a scare as they secured a 2-1 win over Colombia to reach their **3rd World Cup semi-final in a row** . Earlier in the week, in the Round of 16, they had found themselves a woman down when Lauren James was sent off for a stamp on Nigeria’s Michelle Alozie. They played 40 mins with this numerical disadvantage and had to rely on penalties to advance. Against Colombia, Leicy Santos had the South Americans ahead in the 44th minute, but Lauren Hemp pulled them level just before half-time. In the second half, a fine finish from Arsenal’s new signing, Alessia Russo just after the hour mark put them 2-1 up and completed the comeback for the Lionesses. With Lauren James still suspended, England will once again turn to Russo for the goals in the semis. Over the last two international tournaments (World Cup and Euros), only Germany’s Alexandra Popp (10) has scored more goals than the English forward (6), and one of the best bets today is for her to **score at anytime** @3.90. Having won last year’s EUROs, the Lionesses will be optimistic about their chances of getting to the finals and lifting the World Cup for the first time. However, to do that, they must overcome the only team to have defeated Sarina Wiegman in her 38 games in charge. Shortly before this tournament, **Australia ended England’s 30-game unbeaten streak** , with Sam Kerr and Charlotte Grant scoring the goals in a 2-0 win back in London. This result gives the Matildas confidence heading into this match, and the additional advantage of playing in front of their home supporters bolsters their stance even further. While Australia boasts one of the most exceptional strikers in the world in Sam Kerr, it’s their defensive prowess that has truly defined their performance throughout the tournament. Over the course of their **last 7 matches** (which includes two friendlies), Australia has kept an impressive **6 clean sheets**, securing 6 victories and suffering **just a single defeat**. This lone loss came against Nigeria in the group stages, during which they conceded 3 goals. Remarkably, this instance remains the only occasion in which their defense has been breached in this tournament. **Four clean sheets** in five games in this World Cup has seen the co-hosts make their first ever World Cup semi-final appearance despite Sam Kerr having her game time limited due to an injury. Kerr is yet to score in this tournament, but the Chelsea striker’s experience and familiarity with the English defense, makes her as a potential challenge to England. West Ham goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold has been Australia’s standout player this tournament. Arnold suffered a partial hearing loss a few years ago and is living proof that a deficit in one sense can lead to an enhancement in others. You only have to watch her reflexes to believe this. She has arguably been the goal-keeper of the tournament and was awarded the Player of the Match award for her performance against France in the quarter-final after she saved 3 penalties in the shootout. With Mary Earps - the reigning World goalkeeper of the year - in goal for England, this has all the makings of a low-scoring game and a battle between two exceptional goalkeepers. **Bet Predictions**
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