analyse
Spain, Sweden, England and Australia are playing for a place in the final of the Women’s World Cup Down Under. Who has made the best impression so far? And who has what it takes to win the title for the first time? The sports show tip before the semi-finals.
Spain – Tiki-Taka alone is not enough to win the World Cup
preliminary round: 3-0 v Costa Rica, 5-0 v Zambia, 0-4 v Japan Round of 16: 5:1 against Switzerland Quarterfinals: 2:1 aet against Netherlands
After the quarrels leading up to the World Cup, the Spanish team showed a real unity at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand. Coach Jorge Vilda’s side are convincing with a strong offensive, although the ailing superstar Alexia Putellas has not played a major role so far. The team is not only enthusiastic about playing with their Tiki-Taka, but also stress-resistant: The clear preliminary round defeat against Japan was followed by “La Selección” with an impressive round of 16 victory against Switzerland – and in the quarter-finals against the Netherlands the southern Europeans showed the right thing in extra time Reaction to the late equalizer. However, against the strong Japanese and at times the Netherlands, the Spanish defense was not ready for the World Cup.
Forecast of the Sportschau editorial team: If Spain use their chances in the semifinals better than against the Netherlands, the final is possible. However, the lack of consistency in performance speaks against winning the title.
Tip from ARD World Cup reporter Bernd Schmelzer: Spain is technically outstanding, but not effective enough in front of goal. And what do the forces do after the running-intensive games? Title chance: 45 percent.
Sweden – With a lot of experience only almost on the World Cup throne
preliminary round: 2-1 v South Africa, 5-0 v Italy, 2-0 v Argentina Round of 16: 5: 4 IE against USA Quarterfinals: 2-1 against Japan
The Swedes, trained and well adjusted by Peter Gerhardsson, feel at home Down Under – there is no other way to sum up the tournament performance so far with five victories. The start against South Africa was tough, but after that the experienced Damslandslaget – nine players in the squad aged 30 or over – impressed the competition. In the round of 16, Sweden, with nerves of steel, won against the Americans, who had superior play on penalties. A big plus is the danger from standards, especially from Amanda Ilestedt (four goals). However, not enough goes out of the game on the offensive – that should take revenge in the end.
Forecast of the Sportschau editorial team: After third place at the 2019 World Cup, Olympic silver in 2021 and the semifinals at the 2022 European Championship, Sweden is actually ready for the big step on the football throne. But a little bit is missing for great success.
Tip from ARD World Cup reporter Bernd Schmelzer: The Swedes are washed with all tactical waters. But do your nerves play along when it all comes down to it? Title chance: 55 percent.
Australia – semi-final hurdle may be too high
preliminary round: 1-0 v Ireland, 2-3 v Nigeria, 4-0 v Canada Round of 16: 2-0 against Denmark Quarterfinals: 7:6 pens against France
Clear case: The big advantage of the Australians in their eighth World Cup participation is the home advantage in the decisive phase of the tournament. The “Matildas” are carried on a wave of excitement from game to game and from round to round – the setback in the second group game against Nigeria didn’t change that. Steph Catley’s defense is the flagship of the co-hosts: Australia beat two top ten teams, Canada and France, and were the only semi-final team to keep four clean sheets. The offensive, on the other hand, has only scored nine goals so far, which is the fewest of the semi-final teams. This is where the pressure to succeed is perhaps most noticeable. So it’s good that coach Tony Gustavsson can now rely on his superstar Sam Kerr, who has had his calf injured for a long time.
Forecast of the Sportschau editorial team: In the semifinals against the ripped-off European champions from England – whether with or without Sam Kerr – it would have to be a great day to reach the final. Despite the support from the stands, the hurdle is likely to be too high.
Tip from ARD World Cup reporter Bernd Schmelzer: Australia thrives on emotion on and off the pitch. The momentum is on the “Matildas” side. Title chance: 70 percent.
England – After the European Championship title, the big hit follows
preliminary round: 1-0 v Haiti, 1-0 v Denmark, 6-1 v China Round of 16: 4:2 pens against Nigeria Quarterfinals: 2-1 against Colombia
England have not been able to convince from start to finish at the World Cup finals – and yet the European champions go into the last week of the tournament as the number one favorites for the title. After fulfilling their obligations in the preliminary round, the team showed itself in the knockout round against two surprise teams from the World Cup, both physically and mentally in world champion condition. The playful quality of the team is undisputed anyway. A big advantage is that coach Sarina Wiegman has a lot of players in her squad who won the European Championship title in their own country last year. The “Lionesses” will know how to turn the pressure into performance in the semi-finals and in the final. Another plus: Lauren James, who was suspended again in the semifinals after the red card from the Nigeria game, would be available again for the attack in the game for the title – and could make the difference there.
Forecast of the Sportschau editorial team: The “Lionesses” managed to make amends for the bitter semi-final defeat by the USA four years ago with a win against Australia. But getting into a World Cup final for the first time won’t be enough for them.
Tip from ARD World Cup reporter Bernd Schmelzer: If the European champions survive the semifinals, they will also win the final. Title chance: 60 percent.
2023-08-13 15:16:03
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