In the 1st 2023 Women’s World Cup semifinal, Spain battles Sweden. Kickoff from Eden Park is set for 4 a.m. ET Tuesday (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Spain vs. Sweden odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
Spain beat Netherlands 2-1 in the quarterfinal after dispatching Switzerland 5-1 in the Round of 16. It finished 2nd in Group C, scoring 8 goals and allowing 4 throughout the 3 matches. Spain is 6th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. It beat No. 9 Netherlands via a 111th-minute goal from F Salma Paralluelo. Spain had 62% possession and 28 shots compared to 10 for the Netherlands.
Sweden ranks 3rd in the world, behind Germany and USA, both of which are no longer in the tournament. It won Group G, beating South Africa, Italy and Argentina with a +8 goal differential, while only giving up 1 goal. Sweden beat the USA 0-0 (5-4) in penalty kicks then topped No. 11 Japan 2-1 in the quarterfinals. It had just 4 more shots than Japan and tied its opponent in possession at 50%.
The winner moves on to the final against the winner of Wednesday’s Australia-England match.
Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV
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Spain vs. Sweden odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 5:56 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Spain +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Sweden +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Draw +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +138 | U: -190)
Spain vs. Sweden picks and predictions
Prediction
Spain 2, Sweden 1
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN SPAIN (+110).
Spain’s play in the knockout round has been impressive, and it is worth backing here. It dominated possession and had 28 shots (8 on frame) against a quality Netherlands side. Against Switzerland, a side that had not allowed a goal in all 3 group stage matches, it won 5-1.
While Sweden took out the USA, it hasn’t been quite as impressive. USA struggled mightily in its group stage, and Japan’s lack of size hurt it against Sweden. Spain has the technical skill set win this game, and it should come out on top.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 2.5 (+138).
Spain has gone Over this total in 4 of 5 matches in this Women’s World Cup. It has scored 15 goals in 5 matches and should continue to create chances in the final 3rd. Spain had at least 25 shots in each knockout stage game, so it is putting it on good opponents. Expect that to continue.
Sweden has also scored 2 or more goals in all but 1 match, which was against the USA, a side with one of the best defenses in the world. Sweden’s attack has been efficient this tournament.
While both defenses have been good throughout the tournament, Spain has conceded in both knockout stage matches, and Sweden gave up 1 to Japan. Ultimately, take the OVER 2.5 (+138) as both nations’ finishing has shown competence throughout the knockout stage.
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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