FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023
All eyes will be on Australia and New Zealand for the next month as the ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup takes over! For the first time, 32 teams will compete for the prestigious trophy, including the Matilda’s who are one of the favourite’s to take it out.
Stay up to date with all the Women’s FIFA World Cup action with Wishtips!
Semi-Finals
Australia v England
Australia will look to make their first-ever World Cup Final as they take on England in Sydney on Wednesday night. What a remarkable story the Matilda’s have been. In a landmark win for Australian football in general, the Matilda’s narrowly beat France after going 20 penalties deep in a shootout and coming out on top partly thanks to goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold’s heroics. They now face the fourth-ranked side in the World, a team they came out 2-0 victors against in their last outing, and judging by the wave they’re currently riding, no reason they can’t come out superior again. Sam Kerr is also a chance to start, a massive bolster to their chances.
Reigning European champions and tournament favourites England will be seeking revenge on the Aussies after suffering that 2-0 back in April, which also broke a 30-game unbeaten streak. They will have to do it without star midfielder Lauren James, and it’s fair to say she was a notable omission during their clash with Colombia. The South Americans caused the Three Lionesses more issues than expected. However, the same concerns may arise again with harsher consequences against a ruthless Matilda’s outfit.
TIP: Matilda’s double chance + under 2.5 goals
It looking like it’ll be another tight, tense affair and with the Aussies riding this incredible momentous wave, it’s hard not to side with them again.
Spain v Sweden
Spain and Sweden will continue on their push for a maiden World Cup as they lock horns in Auckland. Tactically, this game has so much intrigue, good luck trying to pick the winner.
La Roja’s last semi-final appearance was in the 1997 Euro, and early on in this tournament, where they capitulated against Japan, not many would’ve predicted them to kick on like they have. They’ve scored 15 goals this campaign, with the likes of Bonmati taking the reigns. Spain has yet to beat Sweden in their previous 11 meetings; however, it came close in a friendly back in October, where they secured a 1-1 draw. Sweden is a significant class rise from what they’ve faced this tournament and will undoubtedly cause some defensive issues for the Spanish. However, the Reds are as ready as ever to take the next step.
Sweden continued to impress and again got the job done with a comfortable win over Japan in the quarter-finals. They’re ranked third in the world and are habitual performers at the World Cup. Known as”Blågult”, they eliminated the USA in penalties and will take great confidence from it, on top of some promising results over Argentina and Italy. Set piece specialists “Blågult” can get an edge over the Spanish by executing their dead balls, with Arsenal defender Amanda Ilestedt leading their goal-scorer tally. It’s a team with so much self-belief and can go the whole way.
TIP: Sweden
Tight affair and it’s hard to split the sides so Sweden hold most value.
