Both the United States and Sweden have already punched their tickets to the round of 16 in the Women’s World Cup, but the two teams will meet on Thursday. The winner will be crowned champion of Group F and will finish the group stage with a perfect 3-0 record. Sweden eliminated the United States at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and revenge will definitely be on the minds of the USWNT.
The United States has been simply dominant so far in World Cup play. The United States has outscored their first two opponents by a count of 16-0, and they look poised to make a deep run in this tournament. Sweden has also had little trouble so far, winning their first two games by a combined score of 7-1. Team Sweden is no stranger to having success at the Women’s World Cup. Team USA is -310 in this matchup with Sweden on Thursday afternoon.
United States Can Really Score
The United States set all kinds of records in their opening game against Thailand. The United States scored 13 goals, with 10 of them coming after halftime. Alex Morgan scored five goals in that game and also leads the team with three assists. Carli Lloyd has tallied three goals so far in World Cup play, and Sam Mewis has scored a pair. Team USA made several lineup changes for their second game, but all that did was show off the incredible depth that this team possesses.
Team USA is currently riding an eight-game winning streak in international play, and they are out for some revenge after failing to win the Gold Medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics. There are some new faces on this team, including goaltender Alyssa Naeher. Naeher hasn’t had to stop many shots so far in this tournament but has kept both shots against her out of the back of the net.
Sweden Will Defend, Control Tempo
Sweden has some new faces on their roster as well, but they will employ the same game plan against the United States. Sweden wants to slow the game down and play a solid defensive game, which has frustrated the USWNT in the past. Hedvig Lindahl will be in net for Sweden in this tournament, and she is widely considered the top goalkeeper in the Women’s World Cup field. Team USA will have a much tougher time scoring goals on Sweden and Lindahl.
Even though Sweden doesn’t have the offensive firepower like the United States, they have scored the second most goals so far in the Women’s World Cup. Kosovare Asllani leads team Sweden with a pair of goals so far in the group stage and is always dangerous with the ball on her foot. Sweden will be looking for a chance to counter-attack against the United States throughout this game.
United States Wins Third Straight
This will without a doubt be the United States toughest match so far in the tournament, but they just have too much depth to lose this game. Sweden was able to take advantage of some weaknesses against the United States in 2016, but those will be fixed by now. Sweden will keep this game close throughout, but the United States will prevail. Bet on Team USA -310 over Sweden in the final match in group F.
100% up to $3,000 Bonus
Bovada is our most recommended ONLINE CASINO and POKER ROOM for US players with excellent deposit options. Get your 100% signup bonus today.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.