The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 has already provided its fair share of thrills and spills.
The ongoing Sam Kerr injury story has been a theme throughout; with the likes of Jamaica, Colombia and South Africa causing a splash by reaching the last 16.
So what do the knockout stages have in store for us? Can Australia go all the way on home turf? Can the USA buck up their ideas and win another world title? Or can Sarina Wiegman guide England to glory?
Best Of Bets previews the last 16 here…
Women’s World Cup group stage summary
Some heavyweight big-hitters of the women’s game seriously underwhelmed in the group stages. But you wonder if they were simply getting revved up for the serious business ahead.
Norway have been in virtual disarray ever since touching down in Australia and New Zealand. They were deservedly beaten by the Football Ferns in the tournament’s opening match, only pulling things out of the bag with a 6-0 destruction of the Philippines in their final game, to squeeze through.
Don’t write them off, though. If they get Ada Hegeberg back from injury, they can be a force. Caroline Graham Hansen and Guro Reiten are hitting form at the right time too.
USA’s World Cup of struggles
The USA are another side who have been puzzlingly below par – so far. Their own legend, two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd, has led the criticism of the USWNT, dubbing them “too predictable” and that has gone down like a lead balloon in the camp.
But all that matters is the States got through with five points, albeit the two draws have prompted many to change their pre-tournament predictions. Winning a third straight World Cup looks unlikely.
Round of 1️⃣6️⃣ 🔜 pic.twitter.com/IoeeknDgLX
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) August 2, 2023
England also underwhelmed in their opening two matches, edging past both Denmark and Haiti 1-0, coming perilously close to drawing both games by conceding late chances.
A change of formation and the rampant form of Lauren James, however, have shifted the mood for the Lionesses. Their 6-1 defeat of China to close the group stage campaign was a serious morale-booster.
Yet the main winners from an exciting group stage were Sweden and Japan.
Neither were fancied too much going into the tournament, but both enter the last 16 with perfect records so far – England are the only other side to do that.
Amanda Ilestedt is providing the goals for the Swedes, while Japan’s Hinata Miyazawa is the early Golden Boot pace-setter.
Latest Women’s World Cup betting odds
It’s no surprise that Miyazawa is the favourite now to grab the Golden Boot, at 7/2, ahead England star James who is 4/1 to be the top scorer at the tournament.
As for the outright tournament, the United States have slipped from their pre-tournament position atop the favourites list. They’re now out at 9/2 – joint second favourites with Spain – with England installed at 7/2 going into the knockout stages.
With two-time winners Germany now out, the value bets are Japan at 8/1 and either the Netherlands or France who are both 11/1. They could all get reasonably favourable routes to the final. Les Bleues, in particular, are a good chance after finishing their group stage campaign with a stylish 6-3 win over Panama.
