Netherlands have made smooth progress through the Women’s World Cup, securing maximum points and topping Group E.
Next the Dutch take on Japan, who came second behind England courtesy of their four-point haul.
Latest odds
Sarina Wiegman’s side are 8/11 (1.73) favourites with bet365 to keep their winning run going in Rennes. The same firm offer 4/11 (1.36) that the reigning European champions secure a place in the quarterfinals of the competition.
Japan meanwhile are 4/1 (5.0) underdogs in the match odds market with a draw between the sides priced at 5/2 (3.50) with the online bookmaker. It’s 2/1 (3.0) that they qualify for the last eight.
Team News
Neither manager has any new injuries or suspensions to contend with ahead of this last 16 clash.
Preview
These sides met in the last 16 of the 2015 World Cup where Japan came out on top 2-1 in Vancouver. Plenty has changed since then ,though, and Wiegman’s side are worthy favourites to keep their dreams of adding more silverware to their honours list.
In the most recent meeting the Dutch triumphed 6-2 at the 2018 Algarve Cup, and their performances in France so far have been solid, albeit they’ve left things late at times.
Indeed, five of the six goals Netherlands have scored at this tournament have come after half time.
bet365 go 11/8 (2.38) about the Dutch scoring more goals in the second 45 than they do in the first, and that could be worth considering for punters looking to get involved.
Predictions
Japan’s issues in the final third have got to be a concern. Having scored twice, both against Scotland, Asako Takakura’s side will need to be defensively resolute unlike their display against England last time out.
While Netherlands look worthy favourites, looking to the goals markets could pay dividends in this game.
bet365 offer 5/6 (1.83) on a goal being scored after 70:59 in Rennes. That is a selection that has paid out in five of the six games these sides have played in France so far and it looks a tempting selection once more.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
Goal after 70:59 at 5/6 (1.83) for a 2pt stake with bet365
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