2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Knockout Stage Betting Preview
The group stage of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France is over and we know all 16 teams who will continue to battle for honors in the knockout stage. Down below you’ll find out the Round of 16 matchups along with our betting tips and predictions, but first, let’s see what happened over the last two weeks.
Group Stage Recap
During the group stage, 24 national teams were staggered in six groups with four teams each, and we had three rounds and 36 games in the total. Two best teams from each group proceeded to the elimination phase along with four best third-placed teams.
We saw 106 goals in the total which is 2.94 goals per game on average, and 20 of 36 games had three or more goals in the total. Also, only 13 of 36 contests saw both teams scoring, so those who wagered on Both Teams to Score NO could earn some decent wages.
As we expected, the majority of those 106 goals were scored in the second half (64), while 29 goals were bagged over the last 15 minutes of the second half (27.4%) which is interesting info for those who bet live.
The defending champions USA are the most efficient team with 18 goals, and Jill Ellis’ girls didn’t allow a single goal to their rivals. Australia scored eight goals, while Italy and France netted seven times each. On the other side, Thailand conceded 20 goals, while Jamaica allowed 12, but these two teams finished bottom of their groups.
Alex Morgan (USA) and Samantha Kerr (Australia) are topping the scoring chart with five goals each. Cristiane (Brazil) is right behind with four goals, while Cristiana Girelli (Italy), Carli Lloyd (USA), Wendie Renard (France), and Ellen White (England) all netted three times. Alex Morgan and her teammate Samantha Mewis both made three assists, as well as Manuela Giugliano (Italy).
Knockout Stage
The Round of 16 starts on Monday 22nd June, and we can say 15 teams met the expectations to reach the knockout stage. Only Cameroon upset the odds and finished third in the Group E ahead of New Zealand.
Interestingly, three of the top four contenders – USA, France, and England – are all in the top half of a draw, while Germany is the bottom half along with the Netherlands and Canada. Hereof, let’s take a closer look at all eight matchups and see what can we expect in the elimination round.
Germany vs Nigeria
Germany topped the Group B with three wins and a 6:0 goal difference and two of their three games saw just one goal. They are listed as 7/1 favourites to win the title with 888Sport, while Germany is a massive 1/5 favourite to beat Nigeria. Keep your eyes on Germany and their sturdy defense that can lead them all the way to the final.
The Super Falcons finished third in the Group A behind Norway and France thanks to a 2-0 victory over South Korea. They will have a mountain to climb against Germany, and I would be surprised if they even find a way to score.
Norway vs Australia
This is undoubtedly one of the most interesting contests of the Round of 16. According to Bet365, Australia is a slight favourite to win at 13/10. Norway is set at 9/5 on the same platform, while a draw pays 13/5. Also, you can take Australia at 25/1 to win the title with Ladbrokes, and Norway is set at 40/1 with Coral.
Norway finished second in the Group A with two wins and a loss to France, scoring six goals in the process and allowing three in a return. All their three contests had exactly three goals in the total. On the other side, Australia ended on the second spot of Group C table with six points and an 8:5 goal difference, and all their three games saw both teams scoring along with three or more goals in the total. Go with both teams to score YES here.
England vs Cameroon
The Lionesses are runaway favourites here and should be able to win by two goals, at least. They are listed at 8/1 to win the World Cup with 888 Sport, while Alain Djeumfa’s girls are massive 500/1 underdogs to become the world champions, according to Betway.
England topped the Group D with nine points and a 5:1 goal difference. The Lionesses defeated Scotland 2-1, Argentina 1-0, and Japan 2-0 one after the other, so Cameroon won’t be a big challenge for Phil Neville’s team. However, it’s hard to say if they can go all the way, considering potential rivals in the next two rounds.
France vs Brazil
The hosts are the second-strongest favourite to win the World Cup at 7/2 with William Hill, but they will have a tricky task in the knockout stage. Brazil is listed at 40/1 to lift the trophy with Ladbrokes, and Selecao is certainly capable of pulling off an upset here.
France won all three games in the Group A with a 7:1 goal difference, conceding only against Norway which was their toughest challenge so far. On the other side, Brazil defeated Italy 1-0 and Jamaica 3-0 while losing to Australia 3-2. Still, I’m backing France to win here on the back of the home audience.
Spain vs USA
The defending champions had no mercy in the group stage, and expect them to thrash off Spain, too. This USA team is the strongest favourite to win the title at 7/4 with William Hill, and they shouldn’t have any problems to score a few goals against the Red. The potential quarterfinal clash with France will be a joy to watch.
Spain finished second in Group B with four points and a 3:2 goal difference. They lost to Germany 1-0 and play a goalless draw with China, while their only victory came against South Africa 3-1.
Sweden vs Canada
This one is another derby clash of the knockout stage that will be tough to nail the winner, and a draw after 90 minutes could be the best bet. Canada is set at 20/1 to win the World Cup with Ladbrokes, while Sweden is available at 28/1 on the same platform.
Both these teams finished second in their groups with a 2-0-1 record each. Canada overcame Cameroon 1-0 and New Zealand 2-0, and the only loss came against the Netherlands 2-1. Sweden lost only to the USA 2-0 while beating Chile 2-0 and Thailand 5-1.
Italy vs China
Italy won the Group C with six points and a 7:2 goal difference, and two of their three games saw three or more goals in the total. The Blues are listed as 25/1 underdogs to win the World Cup with William Hill but should be able to reach the quarterfinal whereas China is set at 100/1 on the same platform.
Don’t expect to see a bunch of goals on this one. The stake is huge, and both teams will take a cautious approach. Also, all China’s group stage games saw fewer than two goals in the total, and the Steel Roses earned four points thanks to a 1-0 victory over South Africa and a nil-nil draw with Spain.
Netherlands vs Japan
While the Netherlands enter the knockout stage as 12/1 favourites to win the title with 22Bet, the defending vice-champions Japan are set at 35/1 with 888Sport. Still, this could be a tight clash even though the Netherlands are considered as 3/4 favorites to win.
- Odds above average
- Fair new customer bonus
- Outstanding football betting selection
- Odds above average
- Fair new customer bonus
- Outstanding football betting selection
The Netherlands finished the group stage with three wins and a 6:2 goal difference. On the other side, Japan earned four points with a 2:3 goal difference. I would go with the Netherlands to win, but the under on the totals is another interesting option.
