Norway v Australia
Saturday, 20:00
This is a slightly interesting affair. Both teams came second in their group, both won two and lost one, but I don’t know why exactly the former aren’t favourites or so far out as 9/4 compared to their opponents who are 11/10.
Norway had a harder group and only lost to France, the host nation who are outright favourites. Even without Ada Hegerberg, they have talent such as Guru Reiten (who has performed out of her skin), Isabell Herlovsen and Caroline Graham Hansen. They won against South Korea and Nigeria.
Australia, on the other hand, have Sam Kerr, one of the best players in the world right now, but they lost to Italy, barely beat Brazil (went 2-0 down) and beat a Jamaica squad that are still fundraising for their team.
I just can’t understand the odds on this one at all. Norway have a better all-round side, are strong in defence as well as attack. Apart from Sam Kerr I don’t think Australia look entirely good. Back Norway to win.
Best Bet: Norway to win against Australia – 9/4
It's late at night in Europe, but in #AUS, it's ALREADY MATCH DAY! #NOR are all about the #FIFAWWC spirit of bridging the gap and learning about different cultures, so I asked @TheMatildas super-fan Ruby to put some questions to @MarenMjelde, @ingrid_engen and @Etho9…
— Philip O'Connor, FIFA (@FIFAWWC_NOR) June 21, 2019
Italy v China
Tuesday, 17:00
Italy v China is also an interesting matchup, mainly because the former has suddenly looked very good in this tournament. They haven’t had the pedigree before and are surpassing expectations; they finished first in their group and because of that they face third place China in the knockout stages.
With how they performed against Australia and Jamaica, I can’t see them losing to a China team who only scored one goal in the group stages.
Barbara Bonansea and Cristina Girelli have both lit up Italy’s front line and I expect them to do well here. They are 21/10 and 7/4 respectively to score anytime and both seem a good bet for a goalscorer. However, I’ll be backing Italy on the handicap on -1 at 13/5.
Best Bet: Italy -1 – 13/5
New phase. New ball.
Introducing Tricolore 19 – the Official Match Ball for the #FIFAWWC knock-outs!@adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/JqkQ8hqCN6
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) June 21, 2019
Netherlands v Japan
Tuesday, 20:00
As much as I love Japan, and their technical ability as a team especially on the ball, I just can’t get behind them in this tournament. Argentina held them, and in the first half of the England match they barely made a peep. They only beat Scotland, and some could argue that was by a dubious penalty call.
Netherlands are the Euro 2017 winners and they’ve looked a little uncomfortable at times but a team with Vivianne Miedema, Danielle Van De Donk, Shanice Van de Sanden and Lieke Martens (I could go on) is not a team to be messed with. They beat Canada who hadn’t lost a game since October 2018 and won three out of three of their group games; which only France, England, and USA have done.
The Netherlands are odds-on favourite already at 8/11 and I have a feeling they should be shorter, but with the pedigree Japan have, the odds are probably right. Back them to win and with the Womens Super League and Netherlands record breaker Miedema to score at 17/10.
Best Bet: Netherlands to win and Vivanne Miedema to score anytime – 17/10
Bet Summary
- Norway v Australia: Norway to win – 9/4
- Italy v China: Italy -1 – 13/5
- Netherlands v Japan: Netherlands to win and Miedema to score anytime – 17/10
A €/£1 bet on these three selections at the above odds pays €/£31.59.
Odds correct at time of posting. Subject to change.
Find a full range of Women’s World Cup betting over on paddypower.com