Women’s World Cup 2011: Quarterfinals, Sweden Vs. Australia

Though the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal between Sweden and Australia appears to be the least sexy of the four matchups, it appears to carry much more weight after Saturday’s events. With no disrespect meant to Japan, who deserved their win over favorites Germany, Sweden and Australia were thought to be playing merely for a semifinal berth by most, with both having little chance at reaching the final. Now, with Japan having upset Germany, both Sweden and Australia will have renewed confidence that they can win the tournament.

Sweden looked great against the United States, and they won that game without the player who was arguably their best in the first two games. Caroline Seger, possibly Sweden’s most creative player, was suspended due to yellow card accumulation and should re-join the starting lineup. Her combinations with Lotta Schelin, who had her best game of the tournament against the United States, could prove deadly.

Australia have a deadly combination of their own, with strikers Lisa De Vanna and Kyah Simon up top. Both were brilliant against Norway, with Simon scoring two goals. Once again, Australia will depend on their two star strikers to create their chances.

Both teams are much more loaded with talent up top than they are in midfield and in the back, but Sweden’s back line was excellent throughout the group stages and they should have the slight edge in that department. Between Seger’s return and Sweden’s defensive record, they seem to be the slight favorites, but Sweden’s finishing has been questionable, while Australia’s De Vanna has been fantastic.