It’s another all-European Women’s World Cup quarter final in Valenciennes on Saturday and our tipster is expecting goals galore at Stade du Hainaut
European champions Netherlands are looking to add a Women’s World Cup crown to their honours list this summer. Their next hurdle is a clash against Italy on Saturday.
The first of two quarter-finals in the day sees a pair of group winners square off in Valenciennes.
Latest Odds
The Dutch boast a perfect record in France so far, winning all four of their matches to reach this stage.
William Hill make the Oranje favourites at 23/20 (2.15) to win the match and 8/15 (1.53) to secure a semi-final spot.
Italy topped their group too, although only on goal difference after a narrow defeat to Brazil. They’re 12/5 (3.40) to win this game in normal time and 11/8 (2.38) to qualify by any means.
It’s 23/10 (3.30) that extra time is required at Stade du Hainaut.
Team News
Cristiana Girelli picked up an injury in the last 16 win over China. The Juventus forward netted a hat-trick against Jamaica earlier in the competition and would be a big miss for Italy if she’s ruled out of this game.
Lieke Martens scored twice, including a late penalty to seal Netherlands’ spot in the last eight. The 26-year-old is the sixth Dutch player to find the net in France.
Preview
While Sarina Weigman’s side boast plenty of attacking options, they look a little short in the betting after a nervy last 16 display.
Japan caused the Oranje plenty of problems and Italy should have the cutting edge to do likewise.
The Azzurre drew a blank against Brazil but have found the net nine times in their other three World Cup matches.
Despite their winning streak, Netherlands have kept just one clean sheet and that was against a New Zealand team who scored only once in three games.
Predictions
These teams haven’t played each other since 2014 so there is no recent head-to-head form to assist punters.
Backing goals looks to be the logical angle, especially with the favourites looking defensively vulnerable.
Both teams to score is 17/20 (1.85) and appeals as a main selection. Cameroon, Canada and Japan have all found the net against Netherlands this summer but the Dutch boast plenty of firepower in the final third themselves.
For a longshot, take a chance on Italy to win and both teams to score at 6/1 (7.0). The underdogs look overpriced in the market generally and have shown their quality in a tough group to reach this stage.
Both teams to score at 5/6 (1.83) for a 2pt stake with William Hill
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