Netherlands to make second consecutive major final
The second semi-final of the 2019 World Cup sees the Netherlands take on Sweden in fighting for a place in the final to face the holders, USA. Netherlands come into the match on a better run than the Swedish, but it will be a close one as the Swedes have more experience in the latter stages of a World Cup. It is a hard act to follow given the quality of the England versus USA match but there is sure to be goals.
Recent form
The Dutch come into this one on a nine-game winning streak, though it is their first ever World Cup semi-final contrastingly it is Sweden’s fourth appearance in the last four. Oranje are slight favourites and have opened the scoring in all of their matches so far in the tournament and winning every single one. They also have a superior head-to-head record winning the last two meeting between these nations without conceding, including a 2-0 win over Sweden in the quarter-finals at Euro 2017 to which they went on to win the Championship.
The underdog tag will suit the Swedes though having already beaten two sides in Fifa’s top 20 in their run to the semis. Sweden’s only defeat of the tournament thus far was the tricky task of the US, going down 2-0, as they got out of Group F as knockout rounds without any many backing them to get this far. But one goal wins over Canada and then Germany will keep fans optimistic of turning over the Dutch, although it will be their toughest test since the Americans.
Ones to Watch
Sherida Spitse of the Netherlands has more assists than any other player in the tournament with four and will be crucial to her nations chance creation in this encounter. She set up both goals in their last eight victory over Italy, turning the screw in the last 20 minutes of the clash. The standout for Sweden would be midfielder Kosovare Asllani, who has contributed two goals and as many assists from midfield, however it was the forwards that got the job done in the quarter-final. Achieving the scalp of a much-fancied German team in coming from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Sofia Jakobsson and Stina Blackstenius.
The Netherlands will have too much for Sweden though will have to work hard to progress to the final in a match that will be an anti-climax with the two best teams in the tournament taking part in the first semi-final.
Netherlands – Sweden Betting Tip
Netherlands to Qualify + Under 3.5 goals with Betfred at odds of 109/100.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
Manchester United’s Jackie Gronen drilled a screamer into the bottom corner in the 99th minute to seal a place in the World Cup Final for the Netherlands.