Sweden vs Spain
This round of World Cup 2022 qualifiers throws up a great game at the Friends Arena on Thursday night when Sweden host Spain in a battle for the lead in Group B.
It’s a fascinating clash between two sides which impressed at different stages of Euro 2020, and should Sweden win they will overtake Spain, who currently lead the group by a point, but Luis Enrique’s side has played a game more than their opponents.
The Sweden vs Spain betting odds are backing an away win, but it certainly won’t be easy as Jan Andersson will have the hosts well drilled, and even a point would leave their destiny in their own hands. If the game does end in a stalemate, as it did the last time they met, at Euro 2020, then it’s difficult to see either team dropping out of the top two, with only Greece likely to mount a challenge.
Talking Points
Sweden still so tough to crack
With five clean sheets in their nine games played in 2021, Sweden have continued to be one of the best organised, well oiled machines in world football and they impressed again at Euro 2020 at the group stage. Defeat to Ukraine in the Round of 16 was a bit of an anti-climax after winning a group containing Spain, Poland and Slovakia, with victories over both the Poles and the Slovaks.
Before that the Swedes started their World Cup qualifying campaign with victories over Georgia and Kosovo. Captained by Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof and with Roma keeper Robin Olsen between the posts, Jan Andersson’s team is always competitive if unspectacular.
They do have talented players further up the field. Red Bull Leipzig’s Emil Forsberg was on target in the defeat to Ukraine and he’s a reliable performer at international level, while there are high hopes for two young strikers. 21 year olds, Alexander Isak who plays at Real Sociedad, and Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski could both make a start. Kulusevski made 35 appearances for I Bianconeri last season, while Isak already has six international goals to his name. They have big boots to fill in the absence of Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but between the two of them they have a decent chance!
The new Torres is coming of age
Spain drew the opening fixture of their 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Greece but recovered to beat both Kosovo and Georgia and, like Sweden, they have a 21 year old striker who could be ready to make a name for himself. Manchester City’s Ferran Torres has two goals in the competition already. Unlike his namesake Fernando Torres, a former La Roja favourite, who scored 38 goals for his country during Spain’s golden period as World Cup winners in 2010, Ferran didn’t start out as a striker, playing as a wide man. But he’s made an explosive start for Manchester City this season, scoring twice in three games, and he could be the man to step into the shoes of Sergio Aguero if his form continues. Alongside the experience of Villarreal’s deadly hit man Gerard Moreno and Juventus’ striker Alvaro Morata, Torres could be a real handful for defences worldwide.
Another Premier League star, West Ham United’s Pablo Fornals, has made a great start to the season, scoring in each of the Hammers opening two games and he’ll be pushing for some game time. And Spain’s keeper is also enjoying a good opening to his season in England. After a big summer of spending at Old Trafford, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under pressure to continues his progress at the club, and he’ll be delighted with the form of goalkeeper David de Gea.
Head coach Enrique was close to leading Spain to Euro 2020 glory as his team bossed their semi-final against eventual winners Italy, only to lose on penalties. Getting so close to a trophy has strengthened Spain’s reputation as a European power and they will be keen to show they can take on the world…starting with Sweden.
History
While Spain were World Cup winners in 2010, Sweden have also been to a World Cup final, finishing as runners up back in 1958.
The head to head Sweden vs Spain results have gone in favour of La Roja by a margin of four to two in all competitions since 1950.
The two teams played out a 0-0 draw at Euro 2020 on a highly frustrating night for Spain, who had 85 per cent possession and missed a host of chances, but it was a typical rearguard action from the Swedes.
In terms of recent form, both teams have lost just one game in the last six and Sweden have won the last five at home.
Betting Tip
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Sweden vs Spain | Under 2.25 @ 2.03 |
| September 3, 02:45 (GMT+8) |
Spain are at SBOTOP odds of 1.70 to win the game, with Sweden at 4.07 and the draw is available at 3.40. A narrow 1-0 win to Spain at odds of 5.22 is the most likely outcome, but with home advantage Sweden will be very hard to break down.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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