England vs. Sweden Prediction
It has been since 1990 when England last reached the World Cup semifinals, but it will have the opportunity to do just that today with a victory as the favorite against Sweden. Will England get the job done or is an upset bet on Sweden the right play to make?
Game Snapshot
97878 England vs. 97879 Sweden
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Samara Arena at 10AM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, England is a -115 favorite to win on the moneyline. Sweden is a +370 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +220. The over-under sits at 2 goals.
England survives in PKs
It took penalty kicks for England to advance to the quarterfinals, but a win is a win as it downed Columbia after the game moved to PKs following a 1-1 draw through regulation time and 30 minutes of overtime. Harry Kane gave England a 1-0 advantage in the 57th minute on a penalty kick, but a dramatic goal by Yerry Mina in the 90+3 minute sent the game on. Neither team found the back of the net during overtime, while England outlasted Columbia 4-3 on penalty kicks. England held 52 percent of the possession, while it fired 16 shots (two on goal). England manufactured seven corner kicks and committed 13 fouls (two yellow cards).
Sweden ‘backs up the bus’ in win
The distinct style of Sweden shined through in its 1-0 round of 16 victory over Switzerland as it scored in the 66th minute and then played an extremely defensive style the rest of the way to hold on for the win. A blast by Emil Forsberg proved to be the difference as he was one of the best men on the pitch for the entirety of the match. Sweden only held 36 percent of the possession against a Switzerland team with far more talent up front, though the Swedes did manage 12 shots (three on goal). Switzerland recorded 18 shots (four on goal) and had 11 corner kicks, but none found paydirt against the strong defense of Sweden.
Prediction:
Sweden is obviously very strong in the back end, but it hasn’t seen a player like Kane or as much talent as England as a whole yet in this tournament. Look for Kane (or somebody wearing the red and white kit) to put one in the back of the net in the first half, giving England control the rest of the way. The better squad should advance here.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: ENGLAND -115