After a month of thrilling soccer action, along with some shocking upsets, we are now down to just two games remaining at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In the Women’s World Cup Semifinals, we witnessed England dismantle the hometown Matildas from Australia, while Spain secured a late-winner in a thrilling game against a pesky Swedish side.
As such, we will see England and Spain face-off Sunday morning for World Cup glory, while Australia will play host to Sweden in a highly anticipated 3rd place showdown.
Prior to the tournament starting, we picked England to win the World Cup. Will we stick with that prediction or will we jump to Spain’s side?
Get the latest 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup odds, courtesy of the best soccer betting sites. Learn who we pick to win not only the 3rd place game, but to hoist the trophy on Sunday, August 20.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds
The following odds are courtesy of BetUS:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Spain | -125 |
| England | -105 |
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final
The Women’s World Cup Final will take place on Sunday, August 20th:
Spain (+170) vs. England (+185)
What a Final match-up this should be, as both Spain and England will be playing their first World Cup Final match. Spain and England have clearly been the two best teams all tournament long, but how they’ve gotten to this stage has been quite different.
Spain has done it with flair and talent. Though they had a lapse and setback in their group stage against Japan, they’ve been dynamic offensively.
Spain plays fast and is likely the best team in the world with their on-ball control, passing, and creativity. They broke down Sweden’s heralded back-line in the Semifinals, but Sunday will mark their stiffest test against a hardened English defensive group.
For the Lionesses, they also boast of an immensely talented lineup scattered with world-class talents, but haven’t found scoring to be their ticket to glory. Instead, Sarina Wiegman’s side has been dominant defensively all tournament long.
Across their six matches, they’ve conceded just two goals from open play. They give up very little and their defense, which features three central backs, has been nearly impenetrable to break down.
SPAIN VS. ENGLAND IN THE WOMEN’S WORLD CUP FINAL 🏆
Both countries will play in their first WWC final 👀 🍿 pic.twitter.com/JLOzc3ov5D
— ESPN (@espn) August 16, 2023
That right there is the true game within the game. The passing and creativity of the Spanish attack going right into the power, organization, and physicality of England’s defense. It will certainly represent a fascinating clash of styles, but we believe England has enough to prevail in a tightly contested affair.
This was one of our pre-tournament sides we quite liked and, with the return of Lauren James to England’s attack, it provides the Lionesses with another dynamic talent up front.
Aside from perhaps the Netherlands, the Spaniards haven’t run into a squad as deep and loaded as the Lionesses. England has the personnel to take away what Spain does incredibly well.
Expect the midfield play and ball-winning ability of Kiera Walsh to play a key role in disrupting the rhythm and passing of both Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati. That duo is very influential for La Roja when it comes to their passing and distribution from the centre of the pitch. Walsh, along with Ella Toone and Chloe Kelly, has the edge in that battle.
We believe that England’s big game experience will be the deciding factor. With Spain not generating much via their possession, they are likely going to have to shift their tactics and open up more.
Don’t be surprised to see England’s trio of Lauren Hemp, Alexia Russo, and Lauren James dominate a questionable Spanish defensive group. England has had the harder path and will find the goals when it matters most. Even as slight underdogs, at Women’s World Cup betting sites, we like the Lionesses to hoist the trophy on Sunday.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup 3rd Place Game
The FIFA Women’s World Cup 3rd Place Game will take place on Saturday, August 19th:
Australia (+180) vs. Sweden (+145)
Despite both Sweden and Australia falling short of the ultimate goal, both sides enter the final World Cup weekend with plenty to play for. The Swedes and Matildas have to be thrilled to have advanced this far, as most pundits would have been surprised to see them battling for third-place at the outset of the tournament.
Sweden battled Spain hard in the Semis, before succumbing to a late winner. Ultimately, they play with excellent organization and squad cohesion, but lack the high-end scoring to break games open.
They were fortunate in knockout matches against both the United States and Japan, and you have to wonder how fresh this veteran squad will be entering another game in less than a week. It’s a quick turnaround and, given the fact that this is a matchup for 3rd place, you might question their motivation against the Aussies.
For the Matildas, motivation will not be an issue. Third place is still an excellent result for this upstart group, and they will definitely benefit from their home crowd support.
The Aussies put forth a strong showing in the Semis against England, before conceding a couple of late goals off some defensive breakdowns. They went toe-to-toe with a powerful English side offensively, and generated all kinds of chances.
Sam Kerr returned to the starting lineup for Australia, scoring an absolute beautiful goal. She should maintain her spot up front to lead the attack against Sweden.
Sam Kerr’s goal getting the full global treatment last night ⚽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/Fj45co85W9
— James Dodd (@JamesDodd89) August 16, 2023
It is surprising to me that Australia enters as the underdogs with sports betting sites. Although they have one less day to prepare, their motivation will be sky-high for this clash.
They’ve been dynamic and fast offensively. Furthermore, much of the young talent on this squad has delivered. Their back-line has proven to be shaky at times, but the Swedes are likely not going to have the talent or energy to exploit that on Saturday.
With some juicy odds associated with the Matildas, we are siding with the hometown squad in the 3rd place game, especially with their impressive fan support. They will be highly motivated and going against a Sweden side that has been battling relentlessly for a month.
The Swedes have also finished third in recent World Cup showings, while this could mark Australia’s best ever tournament on home soil. The motivation and passion will be there for the Matildas and we see them securing victory in a game with some excitement and goals.
Pre 2023 Women’s World Cup Final Prediction: England (+350)
It all comes back to the Lionesses for us this summer in Australia and New Zealand. On paper, they have the skill and pace to compete and go head-to-head with the Americans.
England has impressive depth in many positions and an excellent blend of veteran presence along with youthful exuberance to push them over the top.
The English have knocked on the door many times before, but have yet to truly knock it down. This summer, expect breakout showings from Alessia Russo, and despite a slew of injuries, this team has the knowledge and spirit to prevail.
England has an easier path than many of the other rivals, and they’ve beaten the USWNT in a best-on-best showing back in October.
Coach Sarina Wiegman is well-versed in what it takes to win, her pre-scouting and tactics have always been spot-on for moments like this, and the quality of this English side is peaking at the right moment.
Though they’ve got their knocks, the Lionesses are better equipped to deal with such losses over the Americans. While we expect an England/USA showdown in the Finals on August 20th, look for England to break-up the quest for an American ‘three-peat.’
