Cameron Pope provides insight, tips and predicts the correct scores of every match on every day throughout the Women's World Cup.
This is it. A phenomenal Women’s World Cup, packed full of shock scorelines, unexpected exits and stories of courageous underdogs has reached its finale, with Spain’s all-star squad set to take on European Champions England at Stadium Australia.
There is previous between these sides, with a corker of a Euro 2022 quarter-final going England’s way in extra time after a late Ella Toone equaliser levelled the game at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
And the signs all point to a close-run affair again, with Spain’s tricky midfield and stacked attack having to grind out a 2-1 victory over Sweden, with a previously underwhelming England coming good after a nervy patch against Australia, winning 3-1.
For Spain, controversy surrounding Toone’s equaliser last July will be added fuel for revenge, but neither side will struggle for motivation and it’s a tough game to call.
England must dull the sparkle of Aitana Bonmati, who failed to shine as brightly as before in the semi-final, while Millie Bright and co. have an interesting battle on their hands to stop the Spanish attack. Sam Kerr proved a handful, netting an equaliser for the Matildas before going close again. Spain don’t have just one big-name attacker, but several, with Esther Gonzalez, Jenni Hermoso, Salma Paralluelo and Alba Redondo all capable of landing powerful blows.
But England’s re-thought back-three formation has given them a new lease of life, allowing Rachel Daly to get forward as a left wing-back and support Lauren Hemp and Alessia Russo.
Ella Toone nabbed a key goal against the co-hosts in the last four and with Lauren James back from her ban, Sarina Wiegman is blessed with options in attacking midfield.
Put simply, I see this being an even game after 90 minutes, with the numerous attacking stars on show pushing me towards a score draw. After that, it’s anyone’s call.
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