F for finale (group F final for all you slow ones)
Sweden and the U.S of A face off in group F's final game which will determine who will finish first or second. A more favourable playoff matchup is at stake so both teams will be giving it all they have but who wants it more?
Sweden
As anticipated the Swede's made light work of both Chile and Thailand, neither of which gave the ladies in yellow any challenge what so ever meaning that Thursdays opposition might as well be from a different planet.
One very positive aspect is that regardless of how this game ends Sweden will progress no matter what meaning that they can come into this game relaxed and without the same kind of pressure there would have been had they been hanging in the balance.
I have been quite unimpressed with Sweden in recent times and my personal opinion is that there is a lot of hype over very little, despite players of the highest quality they have not always performed to the best of their ability with the national team which is why am sceptical. However, they now face the highest ranked team in the world and have the opportunity to show us what they are truly made of.
USA
Like Sweden, the USA have not yet been tested and basically coasted through the first 2 games without any issues at all. Suddenly playing against a team of Sweden's calibre after crushing 2 minnows can be challenging but the players should be able to focus and show everyone why they are ranked no. 1 in the world.
The top spot in group F is not the only incentive however. Revenge is on the agenda for the yanks after having been knocked out of the 2016 olympic games by Thursday's opposition on penalties, this after totally dominating play and missing a ridiculous amount of chances.
USA welcome back the likes of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe to the starting XI after the pair were rested in their clash against Chile meaning that America have been really preparing for this battle.
Betting tip
USA are without a doubt the best team on the planet and to be fair, Sweden are one of the best but lack a little compared to their American counterpart which is why i am backing a USA win and over 2.5 goals at 9/10 with Bethard.
