Germany vs Sweden preview, key stats & predictions
Germany and Sweden are preparing to go head-to-head in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The Germans remain among the three favourites to lift the trophy for the third time, while Sweden are the dark horses to reach the latter stages.
Sweden beat Canada in the Round of 16 to book their place in the quarter-finals as Germany eased past Nigeria.
So we’ve taken a look at what to expect from a hotly anticipated tie at Stade de la Route de Lorient.
When is Germany vs Sweden?
Competition: Fifa Women’s World Cup
Venue: Stade de la Route de Lorient
Date: Saturday, 29 June
Kick-off: 17:30 BST
Where can I watch live?
UK residents will be able to watch the Fifa Women’s World Cup quarter-final match between Germany and Sweden on BBC One. Coverage starts at 17:15 BST.
Match preview
Germany have won every game so far in this tournament and are the favourites to make the semi-finals, but they must be cautious against a dangerous Sweden side.
Aside from a 2-0 defeat to the USA, which is understandable given the USA’s quality, Sweden have also won all of their matches, most recently beating Canada 1-0 in the Round of 16.
The Swedes’ defeat to Germany in the 2003 final will still be fresh in the minds of some fans, such was the painful nature of the loss; Germany won 2-1 in extra-time in Romania.
Including that defeat, Sweden have lost their last two matches against Germany, but the underdogs can take solace from the fact they recorded successive victories in this fixture before those games.
What’s more, Germany’s last two World Cup quarter-finals have gone to extra-time. They lost one of them and won the other on penalties, so there is reason to believe they could get edgy if Sweden can take the tie past 90 minutes.
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Aslanni to end Germany’s clean sheet record?
Germany are yet to concede a goal in the current tournament. Even more remarkably, they have allowed just six shots against them, including only three from open play.
If that continues, there is no reason they can’t go all the way in France. But Sweden will be desperate to end Germany’s incredible defensive record.
Their best chances of doing so is through Kosovare Asllani, who has scored two goals and registered two assists at the tournament so far. She has been directly involved in twice as many goals as any other Sweden player.
If Asllani shows up, Sweden have a chance of beating Germany for the first time since a 4-2 victory in the 2015 Algarve Cup group stages.
One to watch: Alexandra Popp
Germany captain Alexandra Popp marked her 100th appearance for her country with the opening goal in the quarter-final victory over Nigeria.
Popp was also on target in the 4-0 group stage win against South Africa and will be aiming to make it three strikes in five in the quarter-finals.
The 28-year-old has scored a total of 48 goals in her 100 caps. She has won Olympic Gold and the Algarve Cup twice, but World Cup glory has eluded her so far.
With that in mind, Popp will be more desperate than most to get past Sweden and book Germany’s place in the final four.
Prediction
While Sweden have the potential to take the game to extra-time, it’s difficult to see a past a win for Germany, who should edge past their opponents. Germany 2-1 Sweden.
