Women’s World Cup semifinal odds: Spain and England are favoured

Only four teams remain at the Women’s World Cup and both semifinal games should be competitive.

The pregame narrative: Spain has been getting by despite their best player — Alexis Putellas — not being 100%. La Roja is favoured over a Sweden side that’s been defying the odds. On Wednesday, host nation Australia is tasked with breaking down England’s fantastic defence.

Women's World Cup semifinal odds

August 15

Women's World Cup oddsas of 3:18 p.m. on 08/12/2023.

Sweden’s been an underdog in each of their elimination games but that hasn’t stopped them from producing.

The team knocked out the two-time reigning champion USWNT in penalties and followed that up by beating a Japanese side that torched Spain, 4-0, in the group stage.

Sweden’s offence has scored at least two goals in all but one game (0-0 vs. United States) and that’s largely thanks to Amanda Ilestedt, who’s buried four goals in five games.

Spain dominated possession and scoring chances against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal but barely scraped by in a 2-1 extra-time victory. Still, the team is 15-1-2 in its past 18 games.

There’s reason for concern, though, since back-to-back Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is clearly not herself. But Jennifer Hermoso and Aitana Bonmati have stepped up, scoring three goals apiece this tournament.

August 16

Women's World Cup oddsas of 3:18 p.m. on 08/12/2023.

Colombia struck first against England on Saturday but the Three Lions rallied back to win 2-1. They’ve only conceded two goals this entire tournament and that’s a good indicator of why they’re favourited against the hosts.

Australia couldn’t crack France’s defence and had to settle for a shootout victory. We’re sure they didn’t mind too much. That said, the team will need to bring its a-game if it wants to book a trip to the finals for the first time in its country’s history.

These teams met in a friendly back in April and the Aussies won that match, 2-0.