*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Sweden have not performed like the number-two-ranked side in the world at the Euros so far. They huffed and puffed against Switzerland in their last group game and only just secured a vital victory thanks to a stunning goal from 19-year-old substitute Hanna Bennison with ten minutes remaining.
They sit level with the Netherlands at the top of Group C, although the Dutch have a slight advantage courtesy of goals scored.
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Portugal, on the other hand, have scored plenty of goals in their Euros campaign, scoring twice against both Switzerland and the Dutch. They’ve acquitted themselves well for a side who only qualified for the Euros after Russia were disqualified but now face their toughest task on paper and they’ll need to pull off a major shock to qualify for the knockout stages.
Their Euros campaign may end on Sunday, but if so, they would leave with their heads held high.
2022 UEFA Women’s Euros
Sweden v Portugal
Sunday 17th July, 5pm
TV: BBC iPlayer
Sweden to win (-1)
Sweden need to outscore the Dutch to ensure top spot in Group C. However, they notoriously struggle to secure convincing wins, winning three of their six World Cup qualifiers by just one goal.
They also only won 4-0 against an absolutely atrocious Georgia team at home, although they did beat them 15-0 away at a later date while they also didn’t inflict hammerings when they reached the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup, winning both of their two knockout wins by one goal.
They should find some joy against a Portugal side that has gone two goals down within 15 minutes in each of their two group games to date.
The Portuguese have shown serious mettle to claw their way back into both games but will find Sweden to be a far more uncompromising opponent on Sunday and cannot afford to give up such an early advantage.
Sweden need to score goals – and plenty of them – to ensure that they finish above the Dutch, meaning that it could be a disappointing end for Portugal’s Euros campaign.
It is likely to be a bit closer than when Sweden thumped Portugal 4-0 during February’s Algarve Cup, but it still should be a comfortable result for the Swedes.
Want to know more about the two sides on show?
- Sweden are dark horses to go all the way despite being sixth favourites for the trophy
- And find out why Portugal aren’t fancied coming into the tournament
Sweden to win 3-1
Sweden are very strong defensively, but they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their two Euros games to date and face a goal-hungry Portugal outfit who scored twice in seven minutes to secure a draw against Switzerland in their group opener and twice in nine minutes to draw level against the Dutch before eventually going down to a 3-2 defeat.
They clearly have the attacking tools to cause Sweden problems but certainly don’t have the defensive ones to keep them out. Sweden should prevail in an entertaining game.
Fridolina Rolfo to score two or more goals
Fridolina Rolfo opened the scoring for Sweden in their 2-1 win over Switzerland, tucking the ball into the bottom corner early in the second half. The Barcelona forward was their brightest spark in that victory, finishing with a goal and an assist.
Sweden’s attack has failed to ignite at the Euros so far and it is crucial that Rolfo’s form continues against the Portuguese on Sunday. It wouldn’t be hugely surprising to see her bag a brace.
Sweden v Portugal tips
Sweden to win (-1)
Sweden to win 3-1
Fridolina Rolfo to score two or more goals
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
READ MORE
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- Women’s Euros squads: Every team’s complete list of selected players for 2022 tournament
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