Sweden have gone deeper in the tournament than what most people believe they would reach prior to the 2018 World Cup. Can the Swedes get any further with a win over England this Saturday? Or will England keep their hopes alive with a victory?
Sweden continue their success in Russia as they took down Switzerland in the round of 16 to the tune of a 1-0 score. The Blue-Yellow somehow found a way to strike despite having control of the ball for only 37 percent of the time, but that ultra-conservative approach has been paying dividends for Sweden, whose defense has been seemingly impenetrable. Sweden have surrendered just two goals in the tournament so far, and those two were from Germany during a 2-1 loss in the group stage. Sweden’s other three matches had their opponents laying eggs. Sweden’s lone goal against Switzerland was from a deflected score by Emil Forsberg. Forsberg has been receiving criticism for his lackluster play in the tournament but him scoring his first goal in Russia could silence his naysayers at least for a moment. More importantly, his goal could also boost his confidence up just in time for another do-or-die match against England this Saturday.
Betting on England (-115)
Harry Kane continues to deliver for the Three Lions, as the Tottenham Hotspur man scored another goal in Russia on Tuesday, via a penalty-kick chance, which was later on equalized by Colombia in the round of 16 match that ended with a 1-1 tie in regulation. England weaved their magic in the penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals. Kane now has six goals in the tournament, the most by any player here in Russia. A bit of concern for England is an apparent injury to midfielder Dele Alli, who’s a question mark to play this Saturday. England have had plenty of heartbreaks in penalty shootouts, and their success in it against Colombia must feel like they have finally exorcised the bad spirits and in the process pumping up their belief that this is the tournament that they will relish their first World Cup title since 1966.
Writer’s Prediction
England book their spot in the semifinals with a 1-0 win.
