Did someone say Women's FIFA World Cup? In our own backyard? Yes please! All the drama of Sam Kerr has been (kind of) put behind us, as the Matildas did indeed make the Round of 16. How far can they go? Next up is Denmark, where the Aussies are currently the favourites.
Only 16 teams remain, and it's win or go home from here. There is so much action to be had over the next eight games, leading into the Quarter Finals and beyond. With so much action, it's easy to get confused, so if you want soccer tips, we've got you covered. Our expert, Kat Sasso, is here to guide you and provide her tips for each and every game in the Round of 16.
Check out all our soccer tips below:
Switzerland vs Spain – Saturday August 5th, 3pm
Both Switzerland and Spain have never made it past the knockout stages, with both sides having reached the Round of 16 once before, and both having lost. Switzerland has a rock-solid backline in players like Julia Stierli and Noelle Maritz.
Switzerland will rely on those two in particular against the goal-scoring prowess of Spain’s attack that is Aitana Bonmati, Jennifer Hermoso, and Alba Redondo so definitely keep an eye on these three as they will be the deciding factor in the game winner. It seems likely that Spain will get the win, but without the super string backline they will also concede a few, so I’m saying 2-1 to Spain.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Match Winner & To Kick 2+ Shots – Spain & Jennifer Hermoso
Japan vs Norway – Saturday August 5th, 6pm
Two former World Cup winners and giants of the women’s game will come to a head when Japan take on Norway. Japan had a dream start to the tournament, with huge confidence boost after their 4-0 win to Spain. Hinata Miyazawa has been outstanding for the Nadeshiko, who is now front runner of the Golden Boot race with her 4 goals.
Norway was a bit late to the party but got there just in time with their 6-0 thrashing of the Philippines. Japan looks to be the stronger side with more consistency across the board from defending to attacking, so I think we’re going to see another Japanese masterclass in this one.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Anytime Goal Scorer – Hinata Miyazawa
Netherlands vs South Africa – Sunday August 6th, 12pm
The 2019 runners up, Netherlands, will take on an up-and-coming South Africa. The Netherlands put 7 past Vietnam in order to secure their top of the group finish, with Esmee Brugts, Jill Roord and Danielle van de Donk all taking home a brace.
While South Africa stunned Italy with a last-minute winner by Thembi Kgatlana to get themselves through to the Round of 16 for the first time. The Netherlands are looking super strong, not to take anything away from South Africa, but I think this game will go to penalties and the Netherlands will pull through as the winners.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Draw – 1-1
Sweden vs USA – Sunday August 6th, 7pm
The biggest game of the tournament so far, Sweden coming up against 4-time champions the USA. Sweden have been magnificent off the bat, got out of the group with 3 wins, and have history of causing some of the biggest upsets in women's football. Watch out for defender Amanda Ilestedt who is in the race for the Golden Boot.
It looks like the rest of the world has finally caught up to the USA, their run to the knockouts was nothing short of intense. Barely scraping through the group to get second place, I doubt they will be able to get the job done against the Swedes. I’m going to say Sweden 2-1.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Total Sweden Goals – Over 1.5
England vs Nigeria – Monday August 7th, 5.30pm
The Lionesses take on the Super Falcons in this matchup of the ages. England celebrated their 1-year Euros anniversary by annihilating China 6-1. Lauren James has been the baller to watch and is for sure going to be a Golden Boot contender if she keeps putting in these performances.
Nigeria have their secret weapon in their goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie who managed to keep 2 clean sheets out of the 3 group games. I am torn on this one because both sides have potential to make it through, but I think Nigeria will pull out every trick they have to get the job done against England.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Total Nigeria Goals – Over 1.5
Australia vs Denmark – Monday August 7th, 8.30pm
The biggest game Australia has ever seen, the Matildas will take on Denmark for the first time. Australia made it top of the group thanks to their 4-0 win over Olympic champions Canada. Hayley Raso has been on fire, and I have no doubts that she will be doing her bit yet again in this game.
For Denmark, Pernille Harder and Katrine Veje have been the absolute standouts. I have no doubt that Australia will get the job done and expect plenty of goals to be scored. Love what Hayley Raso is doig, so think she will kick at least 2 shots.
Kat's Soccer Tip: To Kick 2+ Shots – Hayley Raso
Colombia vs Jamaica – Tuesday August 8th, 6pm
This one is a huge matchup, Colombia are heading into their second Round of 16 while Jamaica made it out of the group stage for the first time. Colombia, home to one of the brightest up and coming stars Linda Caicedo have stunned the world with their top of the group finish.
While Jamaica did the impossible and knocked out Brazil. Both sides are looking very strong, but I believe Colombia will come out on top for this one. There should be a few goals in this one as well, looking for over 1.5 scored in this match.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Total Goals – Over 1.5
France vs Morocco – Tuesday August 8th, 9pm
A game between a giant of football and a history maker, France takes on Morocco in this clash. Morocco have made history as the first Arab nation to qualify, score at, win a game at AND qualify for the knockouts at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ibtissam Jraidi has been incredible for Morocco, scoring the winner against Colombia. Kadidiatou Diani has been one of Les Bleues best players at the tournament so far, with 3 goals to her name so far. France look too strong to drop the ball on this one, so I think this will go to penalties, but France will be the winners.
Kat's Soccer Tip: Both Teams To Score – Yes
We told you our soccer tips were on point! If reading our Women's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 preview has got you all fired up, make sure you head on over to the Dabble app, get all your bets sorted and share your thoughts in the Banter channel.
