FIFA Women’s World Cup Quarterfinal: Japan vs. Sweden Betting Preview

It’s a battle for a spot in the semifinal as the third-placed team in the world takes on the eleventh. Japan vs. Sweden is the second quarterfinal match in the 2023 World Cup FIFA schedule!

Japan came in after a 3-1 win over Norway, while Sweden knocked off the two-time defending champions United States in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw through extra time.

In the lead-up to this Japan vs. Sweden quarterfinal fixture, Sweden has played several more games than Japan! They have the same record in their previous five matches. However, Japan’s most recent loss came at the hands of Sweden earlier in the year. I’m sure both teams have done their homework, but we’ll have to see how they come out against each other in a few days.

Japan vs. Sweden Betting

World Cup Winner

  • Japan (+500)
  • Sweden (+800)

Match Winner (After 90 minutes)

  • Japan (+110)
  • Sweden (+215)
  • Draw (+235)

Over/Under Goals

  • Over 0.5 goals (-1100)
  • Under 0.5 goals: (+800)
  • Over 1.5 goals (-375)
  • Under 1.5 goals: (+157)
  • Over 2.5 goals (+225)
  • Under 2.5 goals: (-275)
  • Over 3.5 goals (+300)
  • Under 3.5 goals: (-600)

Road to the Quarterfinals

Japan

Japan is the most in-form team in the tournament, and this, its fourth straight win since the World Cup began, was further proof of its talent, ball movement, and determination.

Considered to be only on the fringe of the crop of elite contenders when things started in Australia and New Zealand, the 2011 champion is now front-running and doing it in style.

Japan needed a little luck for its opening goal. Norway defender Ingrid Synstad Engen stuck out a foot to try to block a cross from the right but only managed to deflect it past goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen and into her net in 15 minutes.

Five minutes later, the Scandinavian side was level, resulting from a fine header from Guro Reiten, who connected with a Vilde Risa cross and left Japan keeper Ayaka Yamashita with no chance.

But the Norwegians, who have endured a troubled campaign marred by an array of issues, not limited to the injury sustained by star forward Ada Hegerberg, couldn’t keep pace with their opponent’s relentless running and ever-present confidence.

Risa Shimizu put her team back front just after halftime, capitalizing upon confusion in the Norway defense to sneak in and clip the ball beyond Mikalsen.

And finally, it was Miyazawa, who scored twice against Zambia and two more against Spain, rounding things off with a trademark breakaway run and a superb low finish — to put herself in first place in the Golden Boot race.

Japan has yet to look flustered all tournament. They have been calm and composed, remnants of the Japan team that nearly beat the US a few years back. The match against Sweden will be challenging, but Japan should come out with a win.

Sweden

After narrowly securing a late victory over South Africa in their tournament opener, Sweden showcased their true potential in their second group match against Italy, effortlessly cruising to a resounding 5-0 win. This dominant performance ensured their place in the last 16 with a game to spare.

Despite nine changes to their lineup for the Wednesday clash with Argentina, Sweden displayed their strength and determination, claiming all three points in a well-deserved 2-0 victory. Rebecka Blomqvist, the Wolfsburg striker, broke the deadlock in the 66th minute, and later, Elin Rubensson, coming off the bench, coolly converted a late penalty to seal the win.

Remarkably, Sweden is one of only three teams to have achieved a perfect record in all three group games at the tournament, making them a formidable force in the competition.

Sweden defeated the US after a 0-0 draw and penalties to advance to the quarterfinals against the formidable Japan. Sweden was quite lucky during the game, as the US’s relentless attacks led to nothing. The final penalty of the match and game-winner was given to Sweden, thanks to VAR.

If Sweden plays to their full potential, as it did in the group stage, it could make life hard for the Japanese. Their defense is second to none and will be tough to beat.


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