Women’s World Cup tips: Three of the best bets for Saturday’s fixtures

Women’s World Cup tips:

Betting sites have set their odds for all three Women’s World Cup games on Saturday and they’re struggling to split France and Brazil ahead of the crunch Group F clash at 11am. 

The betting odds for France vs Brazil couldn’t be tighter, which highlights just how crucial this match is to the eventual formation of the group.

Saturday marks the ninth day of the competition in Australia and New Zealand, and we’ve already had plenty of upsets. Both host nations have suffered shock defeats, France were held to Jamaica last time out, and the USA might not be as dominant as once thought.

Here’s what to look out for in all three Saturday games.

Sweden vs Italy tips – 08:30 on BBC Two

Sweden left it late to beat South Africa in their opening game and, while the Women’s World Cup odds suggest they’re firm favourites for Saturday, Italy will be no push-overs. 

The Italians edged a tense clash with Argentina earlier in the week and come into this match unbeaten in five.

Typical of Italian teams of old, Le Azzurre like to keep things tight. Just two goals conceded since February should help them out against a Sweden side that has blown hot and cold over the past year. 

Milena Bertolini could choose to start match winner Cristiana Girelli, while keeping the same defensive line.

Sweden, ranked third in the world, are favourites with the bookies. Peter Gerhardsson should keep the same XI and can rely on a solid back four to keep Italy at bay. 

Argentina’s draw with South Africa on Friday means a draw here would leave both sides on the verge of progressing to the knockout stages.

And with the odds as they are, a draw is not a bad shout.

France vs Brazil tips – 11:00 on BBC One

The big one on Saturday sees two giants of women’s football clash in Brisbane, with both seeking to live up to their hype. 

France boasts one of the best domestic leagues in the world but they’ve never progressed past the World Cup semi-finals. Brazil are yet to emulate their final appearance in 2007.

This is a must-win game for France if they are to avoid finishing second in the group, which would put them on course to meet Germany in the last 16. 

But they looked toothless against Jamaica and goals were always expected to be their issue this summer. Defensively they look a lot more assured, although Wendie Renard may miss the game through injury.

Brazil are perhaps the opposite. A wealth of attacking talent was on display in their 4-0 triumph over Panama, and we could see the same XI start here. Centre-backs Lauren Costa and Rafaelle provide stability, but Brazil are not as powerful as one might perceive.

The bookies are struggling to call this one, and value instead comes from the goals market. Expect a tight game that could be decided by just one moment of brilliance.

Panama vs Jamaica tips – 13:30 on ITV4

Jamaica were underdogs to win this match before the Women’s World Cup started, but bookmakers slashed their odds once they earned that draw with France. They should get the job done here even without the suspended Khadija Shaw.

Jamaica had the better of Panama when they met in 2019 and the Reggae Girlz have kicked on since then. Panama laboured against Brazil but still got six shots away despite their lack of possession. 

They will have their chances against Jamaica, but striker Karla Riley needs better service. Getting the ball out of a defensive five and into the feet of Marta Cox and Natalia Mills could be their best route to goal.

At 8/11 to win – available on established bookies like Coral plus new betting sites such as BetUK – Jamaica look a convincing wager here. However, don’t be surprised if this game starts slow. Jamaica need to figure out a way to score without Shaw, and that may take time.

Joe Short@_jshort

Joe Short is a freelance journalist and former editor at the Daily Express, covering politics, football, tennis and darts, among other things. He contributes sports betting tips for The Independent.