The Women’s World Cup Crown is There for the Taking

Australia vs France

Now here is a Women’s World Cup quarter-final to get excited about.

The Matildas against Les Bleues; the nations ranked 10^th and fourth in the world giving it their all in the quest for glory,

With the holders the USA now out, the tournament has really opened up and these two will be optimistic they can lay claim to becoming champions of the world.

Both have shown their talent in recent weeks and, while Spain remain my outside tip to triumph, these sides have the potential to go all the way (alongside England and Holland).

Talking Points

Take the co-hosts who will always have the added weight of home support, although it could bring added pressure too.

Their last-16 victory over Denmark showed just how optimistic the country is feeling about Australia’s chances of going all the way in their home tournament – and how ready they are to celebrate.

After a stuttering start, Tony Gustavsson’s side are really starting to motor and some fans are starting to believe, albeit cautiously.

They also have the bonus of Sam Kerr returning and the Chelsea star potentially has plenty of Women’s World Cup 2023 highlights in her locker, although the fact she has only played 10 minutes at this tournament so far (due to a lingering calf injury) suggests she may not be ready for a full encounter.

In addition, they have the psychological advantage of knowing they beat the French in a World Cup warm-up a mere month ago, as a Mary Fowler goal separated the sides in front of a then record crowd in Melbourne.

The crowds since then have further showed what interest the Matildas are generating on home soil.

France, meanwhile, will have no fear after the way they ruthlessly disposed of Morocco in the last 16.

Eugenie Le Sommer scored twice as they cruised into the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, thrashing Morocco to end the African side’s dream run.

Goals from Kadidiatou Diani, Kenza Dali and Le Sommer put France 3-0 ahead at half-time in Adelaide, with Le Sommer adding her second after 70 minutes to book their place in Brisbane.

With top-10 ranked teams the United States, Germany, Brazil and Canada all eliminated, the French will also fancy their chances of going all the way in the tournament.

In Kadidatou Diani, France also have the second highest scorer in the tournament so far with four goals and three assists.

Brisbane awaits a cracker.

History

This will be the fifth match between these two nations and the record currently stand at two victories apiece.

As well as last month’s 1-0 friendly success, Australia won their very first meeting in 2013 when strikes from Brisbane Roar duo Tameka Butt and Katrina Gorry secured victory.

When they met the following year, France raced into a 3-0 half-time lead and held on, despite an Aussie fightback in the Cyprus Cup.

First half goals from Marie Laure Delie, Elodie Thomis and Louisa Necib saw the French lead comfortably at the break before Australia hit back hard with second half goals from Kerr and a Emily Van Egmond penalty.

When they met in 2018, a second half brace from veteran forward Le Sommer ensured a victory for the hosts in Saint Etienne, albeit against an understrength Australia.

Betting Tip

The SBOTOP Women’s World Cup betting odds give France the edge.

They can be backed 1X2 @ 2.05 and Asian Handicap –0.50 @ 2.06 with the Aussies further out, both 1X2 @ 3.05 and Asian Handicap 0.00 @ 2.56.

A repeat of their friendly meeting – Correct Score 1-0 – will pay out @ 8.75.

I do think this will be tight with few goals, which is why I’d lean more towards total goal 0-1 @ 2.41, than 2-3 @ 1.84. 4-6 @ 4.80 and over 2.50 @ 2.29.

Home advantage will help make this tie even tougher for France but I do think Herve Renard’s side will prevail.

 

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