USA vs France: The hosts take on the holders
A pair of 2-1 victories has set up an intriguing quarter-final between host nation France and the World Cup holders USA. Will the advantage of home soil be enough for France to conquer or will the US continue their title defence in style? Read our preview here:
Holders struggle to quarter-finals
There is no doubting that the USA are one of the best outfits at these finals yet there are concerns that the disappointing performance against Spain in the round of 16 may highlight some problems.
Former US keeper Hope Solo summed up what a lot of fans are feeling about America's chances of progressing further.
“You don't always get a perfect win, sometimes it's ugly and sometimes it's hard-fought, which I understand as a player,” she told the BBC.
“But at the same time when you have that much attacking prowess, to not get a goal in normal play is concerning. It was two penalties and one I didn't even think was a penalty, and if it was, it was soft.
"If you want to beat the USA you have to press the backline. That's where they are truly vulnerable. It's the decision making, it's the quality of passing and I think there are nerves back there. I don't think they are good enough to keep possession."
Playing against a France side containing some of European football’s top talent, it is not that hard to imagine USA struggling to progress in what promises to be an enthralling match up.
France holding their nerve
If anyone is surprised that France made it this far then they shouldn’t be. This is the third consecutive World Cup where they have reached the last eight and with players like Valerie Gauvin in form it is little wonder.
Gauvin has bagged seven goals in the last nine games for France across all competitions and she was at it again in the last 16 victory over Brazil. The game went to extra time but after a poor first half, Les Blues seemed to relax and deserved their place in the quarter-finals.
France v USA Women’s World Cup betting tip
Given the poor showing in the semi-final by the holders it is hard to see them running away with it against the French, after all this is a side full of Champions League winners. Therefore, backing a France win at odds of 5/2 is definitely worth a punt even if they are not the favourites.
Post bet chat James's Tips:
In a close game the favourite edged out the hosts....just