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Horse Racing Spain vs Sweden Bet Builder Tips and Player Props: Shots, Shots, And More Shots
It’s Spain vs Sweden in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at 9:00 am BST in Eden Park. This will be the first ever meeting between the two sides at the World Cup.
Jorge Vilda’s side is making their first ever semi-final appearance at any major competition. The Swedish bumblebees are vying for a spot in the final after two third place finishes in the last three editions.
Bet Builder odds: 7.50
Women’s World Cup, 15th August, 09:00 (UK)
Odds via bet365 as at 10:47, August 14th, 2023. Odds may now differ.
Spain vs Sweden: The Lowdown
Spain have managed to break new grounds this year, by winning their first knockout game and reaching the semis. Vilda’s side, despite missing a few key players, have beaten previous edition’s runners-up Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Salma Paralluelo’s winner in the 111th minute was the latest winner in Women’s World Cup history.
La Roja have managed to overcome their heavy defeat to Japan in the group stage, having lost 4-0. With a win, they could become the second side to lose a group stage game by 4+ goals but still reach the final.
Peter Gerhardsson’s Sweden have been one of the most consistent international sides over the course of the last four years. They have reached the final four after defeating the winners of the previous three editions of the World Cup.
Sweden beat two time reigning and defending champions, USA, on penalties in the round of 16. The European side then went on to beat 2011 World Cup winners Japan in the last eight. Among the four semi-finalists, Sweden are certainly the most experienced of the bunch. The Blågult were the sixth oldest side and are the oldest remaining team in the competition.
Kosovare Asllani is still a vital part of the plan for Gerhardsson. The former Real Madrid forward helps out defensively while retaining her creative powers from set-pieces and open-play.
Only Jonna Andersson, the other set-piece taker, has created more shots for Sweden than Asllani. No player has managed to breach the opposition penalty box more times (7) than the Swedish creative powerhouse.
Spain vs Sweden Stats: Set pieces may be key
- First ever meeting between the two sides at a World Cup
- Six of Sweden’s 11 goals in the competition have come from set-pieces (corners and penalties).
- Amanda Ilestedt has taken the second most shots for Sweden and is the second top goalscorer in the competition
- Alba Redondo is averaging the second most shots (4.47) per 90 for Spain.
Spain vs Sweden Bet Builder Tips: Shots the play of the day
Amanda Ilestedt Over 1.5 Shots
The Scandinavian side is especially adept at creating goals from corners. They are the tallest remaining side in the competition, third tallest overall, and have exceptional corner takers. Four of their 11 goals in the competition have come directly from a corner situation.
Arsenal centre-back, Amanda Ilestedt, is Sweden’s top goalscorer and the joint second top goalscorer in the competition with four goals. Three of these four goals have come from a corner situation. Her 178 cm tall frame makes her a viable target from these situations. She has also recorded the second most shots for the yellow and blue in the competition.
If Ilestedt continues in the same vein (1.8 shots per 90), hopefully she can muscle her way into a shooting opportunity to kick off the bet builder. This is, admittedly, the trickiest selection of the three picks here. If you’d rather play things a bit safer, side with just one shot for the swede.
Jenni Hermoso Over 1.5 Shots
Veteran Jenni Hermoso is an integral part of Spain’s success in this World Cup. She has played the second most minutes for Vilda’s side.
The former Barcelona forward is the leading goalscorer (3) and has taken the most shots (18) for La Roja as well. Playing as the left interior in a midfield three, Hermoso is a threatening presence in and around the penalty box (3.48 per 90). She is excellent in possession and is great at making the trailing runs into the box.
Playing in midfield has allowed the 33-year-old to be a creative force as well. Only Teresa Abelleira (21) has created more shots for Spain than Hermoso (10) and the former relies on set-pieces. She has recorded 27 shot-creating actions for the Spaniards, second most in the side.
Alba Redondo Over 1.5 Shots
Levante forward Alba Redondo has been brilliant since her incorporation into the side. The European top goalscorer last season, Redondo has scored three goals at the World Cup. Playing from the wide right position in the front three, Redondo is a prime target at the far post for crosses. Her diagonal runs into the box are very difficult to defend against.
The 26-year-old is averaging 4.47 shots per 90 and hitting over 50% of those on target. She has managed to direct the ball into the back of the net on three occasions. She gets into very good shot taking areas with her runs. Her average chance quality from open-play is the highest of any Spanish player.
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