Women’s World Cup: Best bets for the quarter-finals

There are eight teams still standing as we preview the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals in Australia and New Zealand.

There have been plenty of shocks already and the holders are out as we pick out our best bet for the four matches on Friday and Saturday.

Spain v Netherlands (Fri, 2am)

The Dutch were runners-up four years ago and are undefeated this time around, having topped a tough group which also featured the United States and Portugal.

Spain were only runners-up in Group C due to their 4-0 thrashing by Japan but they demolished Switzerland 5-1 in the round of 16 to reach the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

La Roja have looked good at times but look too short at odds-on for victory in 90 minutes against well-organised opponents.

Rather than pick a winner, for the first of our Women’s World Cup betting tips we prefer Coral’s #YourCall special of 11/4 for both teams to score, over 2.5 goals and either team to win.

Japan v Sweden (Fri, 8.30am)

Japan have arguably been the team of the tournament so far after scoring 11 goals without reply in the group stage and then beating Norway 3-1.

Sweden also topped their group with ease and then caused an upset in the round of 16 by knocking out the USA on penalties, having held out for a goalless draw.

They will be harder to break down than Japan’s previous opponents and a draw after 90 minutes at 21/10 is added to our quarter-final predictions.

Australia v France (Sat, 8am)

All tournaments are better for the host nation progressing and Australia have kept home interest alive with their run to the last eight but they are the underdogs to go any further.

They will be encouraged by their results in the absence of star striker Sam Kerr, who only came off the bench for the last 10 minutes of their 2-0 victory over Denmark and should be able to play a bigger role here.

France have been impressive though since starting with a goalless draw against Jamaica, scoring 12 goals in their next three matches. The Matildas will have plenty of support in Brisbane but France are fancied for victory at 23/20.

England v Colombia (Sat, 11.30am)

Supposedly the sign of a good team is one that gets results without playing well and that has been the case for England, who have only been at their best in one of their four matches but are the favourites in the outright betting.

Getting past Nigeria on penalties was a huge scare after the Africans created the better chances and the red card for Lauren James means she is now suspended.

Fortunately for the Lionesses they have arguably got the easiest of the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals against Colombia, who reached the last eight for the first time by beating Jamaica 1-0.

Their four matches so far have only produced seven goals and England look short of creativity so a Lionesses win and under 2.5 goals at 7/4 completes our Women’s World Cup betting tips.

View the latest Women’s World Cup odds

All odds and markets correct as of date of publication