USA was off to a grand opener in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, beating Australia 3-1 on Monday. Sweden also showcased some firepower earlier in the day with a 3-3 draw match against Nigeria. It’s going to be a blistering night of soccer action when these two teams meet in a thrilling Group D matchup. Read on for everything you need to know heading into this match.
It’s going to be tough to beat this loaded American roster. The USWNT has a devastating attacking front. It starts with Sydney Leroux’s speed leaving opponents unbalanced and stretched out to create open spaces up front. Leroux was impressive in the first match of the group stage, assisting in World Cup debutante Christen Press’ game-winner in the second half.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]One of the USWNT’s veterans was also stellar against Australia. Megan Rapinoe opened the scoring in the 11th minute from outside the box, and then wrapped up her brace with a 78th minute goal. But this should just be the start of a very explosive USWNT. The Americans also have the prolific scorer, Abby Wambach, powering the frontline.
Wambach is the all-time leading goal-scorer (182 goals) in women’s international soccer. The USWNT’s loaded attacking front should manage to find the creases to unload on a sketchy Swedish defense that conceded three times against Nigeria’s fast-paced offense.
The Americans are already tough outs due to their proficient offense. It’s even tougher to score on them with a terrific goalie in Hope Solo solid between the posts. Off-field issues may not have an effect on the All-World goalie’s performance. Solo allowed just one goal on six shots on goal against Australia.
The USWNT is unbeaten in its last 10 matches this calendar year (eight victories and two draws).
Betting on Sweden
The Americans have plenty of fire power all over the field. But Sweden won’t be shying away from a fire fight with some of its own nifty goal scorers who seemed to do well in set piece scenarios. The Swedes quickly built a two-goal lead after a corner kick led to a goal from Nigeria’s Desire Oparanozie 20 minutes into the match and another corner had Nilla Fischer tapping in to an empty net.
Nigeria would draw even in the second half, but defender Linda Sembrant had a nifty finish to the go-ahead goal on a breakaway cross from Lina Nillsson. Facing against the Americans’ highly-potent offense, expect Sweden to go to its preferred style of possession-based soccer. Controlling possession should have them worrying less about their sketchy defense.
Sweden will become even more dangerous if Lotta Schelin can have some open shots against the Americans. Schelin is the leading goal-scorer of the team with 80 international goals under her belt, but she was held without a shot in Sweden’s draw against Nigeria.
But goals may be harder to come by against a very experienced American backline. USA’s defenders are led by the very experienced Christie Rapinoe (306 international caps). Whatever Sweden’s plan of attack would be, Rapinoe probably has an answer for it already.
Sweden is 5-3-2 in their matches this year.
Writer’s Prediction
USA cruises to another win, 3-1. Create a betting account now and catch the best soccer action dominating the world.
