Sweden Women vs Australia Women Predictions

• Both teams scored in each of their respective semi-final defeats
• Australia’s Samantha Kerr has scored three goals in her last three meetings with Sweden
• Kerr scored in the semi-final loss to England but had six shots, two of which were on target

Pressure off could result in goals

Sweden were beaten by Spain in a thrilling finish to their Women’s World Cup semi-final with Olga Carmona scoring an 89th-minute winner for La Roja only 93 seconds after Rebecka Blomqvist had equalised for the Swedes.

It had been a game of few chances until Spain’s Salma Paralluelo sparked it into life with the opening goal on 81 minutes.

Co-hosts Australia, meanwhile, were outclassed in a 3-1 defeat by England, who were deserving victors despite the Aussies putting up a late fight.

But with less pressure on this third-place playoff, the shackles could come off and the goals may flow.

Kerr key for the Matildas

Star striker Samantha Kerr was back leading the line for Australia after her injury and she was on the scoresheet, which bodes well for her scoring prospects against Sweden.

The Chelsea ace, who scored 12 goals in 21 appearances in the Women’s Super League this term, could’ve easily scored more than once after she had six shots against the Lionesses and squandered two excellent late chances.

Kerr has scored three goals in her last three meetings against the Swedes, which included a brace in a 4-2 defeat at the Olympic Games two years ago.

Correct-score punters should consider a 2-1 win for Australia as Sweden’s late heartbreak may be a harder one to recover from.