If there is one thing that is apparent about the four teams remaining in the Women’s World Cup it is how different they all are. Each have arrived in France poised for World Cup glory, but each have achieved success through such different avenues.
The Lionesses of England have motored their way into the semifinals by way of a defense that refuses to concede. The back-line led by thirty-one-year-old Stephanie Houghton has conceded only one goal since the start of the competition. In addition, Lucy Bronze at right-back is arguably one of the best in the World.
The Netherlands have earned their spot in the semifinals through an attacking line that is hard to keep off the score sheet. The attack of the Orange is led by 2017 FIFA Player of the Year Lieke Martens and complimented by fellow teammates Vivianne Miedema and Shanice Van de Sanden.
The United States are no strangers to the pressure as they have willed themselves to yet another semifinal. The United States have made it to their second consecutive semifinal by putting together complete performances in each game both defensively and offensively. As 2015 champions the US know what it takes to lift the cup and have used their experience wisely throughout the competition to find themselves two wins away from a repeat. The US is lead by prolific goal scorer Megan Rapinoe who continues to deliver for the Stars and Stripes in the big moment.
Last, but not least Sweden has quietly crept into the final four by showing composure and resiliency in the face of trouble. After a 2-0 loss at the hands of the US in the final group game they responded calmly by dispatching the Canadians 1-0. The Swedes again remained calm after going down one to Germany and responded with two unanswered to find themselves in the semifinals. The Swedes are led by a stout defense and tactical versatility as they hope to win their first ever World Cup.
Predictions
England v. United States
You’re not going to want to miss this match. Circle it on your calendar, set reminders on your phone, or stream it in the office. This matchup which appears as the more exciting of the two has all the ingredients for an unforgettable ninety minutes. The last time these two faced off was earlier this year in the SheBelieves Cup where they played to an exciting 2-2 draw. It will be a battle of the stingy defense of England versus the offensive firepower of the US. With the likes of Stephanie Houghton and Lucy Bronze in the back it will be difficult for the United States to break through. Even more so the United States has seemed a bit stale on attack at times. If the England defense can keep the Red, White, and Blue off the score sheet I think the match will go the way of the Lionesses. While England are a defensively strong team, they are no slouch on offense either. With the likes of Fran Kirby, Nikita Paris, and the impressive Ellen White the US will have their hands full. The US bolsters a high amount of talent that could also very well cause problems for the English with such a variety of players that can attack and score. This game is very evenly matched and that is what makes it such an exciting competition. The United States looking to make it two World Cup titles in a row while the young English side looking to one-up last competition’s performance by booking a spot in the final. Whoever scores the first goal in this one might very well be the one to find themselves in Lyon for the finale. I think that the hunger and defensive organization of the Lionesses proves to be the difference, I’ll take England to advance to the final in a 1-0 win.
Netherlands v. Sweden
This matchup is definitely an interesting one as well and one that you won’t want to miss. This matchup pits the young striker heavy Dutch side against an experienced more well-rounded Swedish team. It will be interesting to see how the Swedish side which also possess a very strong defense led by Nilla Fischer matches up against a pacey Dutch team with various attacking options. Fishcer and the Swedes will have their hands full with the likes of Lieke Martens, Shanice Van de Sanden and Vivianne Miedema. The Swedish side which is well known for its tactical malleability will likely have a well devised game plan to slow the dangerous Dutch attack. The question is will it be enough to slow down such a driven group of women like the Netherlands? The young Netherlands side are looking to continue their run after winning the European Championship in 2017. While the Swedish team is looking to win the World Cup for the first time. The Swedes must focus on their game plan and staying disciplined, even if the Dutch strike first the Swedes must continue to exhibit the kind of composure that saw them past Germany. I believe that if the Swedes can hold the Orange attack to a goal or less they have the offensive power to see off the Dutch and send their exuberant fans packing. However, I am going to choose the Dutch to win this one in stunning fashion. The fans, the hunger, and the sheer talent will all contribute to the success of the Dutch and I expect to see them in the finale. I’ll take the Orange over Sweden 2-0.
The World Cup’s next fixtures are England v. United States July 2nd, 3pm ET on FOX, and Netherlands v. Sweden July 3rd, 3pm ET on FS1.