It is World Cup Quarter Final time and our Who Cares Guide returns to look at the England v Sweden Quarter Final clash.
For those who don’t have enough time to fully get into this World Cup, we have a shortened preview so you can keep up with fellow family, friends, and everywhere with your new found World Cup Quarter Finals knowledge.
This time we offer some who cares thoughts on England v Sweden Quarter Final clash.
GAME 3 – SUN 0:00 (AEST) – ENGLAND v SWEDEN
HOW DID THEY GET HERE?
England famously attempted to lose their last pool game in Group G to avoid the tough side of the draw, and they have been fully rewarded with only Sweden, and Croatia or Russia left in their way of making the final. So you could say their gamble has paid off handsomely. Especially when you look at the other side of the draw and see their Group G buddies Belgium taking on Brazil in the quarter finals.
England were not great last time out against Colombia, and can probably be thankful that James Rodriguez didn’t play, as he could have been the missing piece of the puzzle. But winning when not playing the very best is a great quality to have. Especially the winning part. And the hoodoo of penalty shootouts has finally been laid to rest. Cynics will now have to find something different to make snide remarks about.
Can England win it? And then win it all? Hopes and expectations have been seriously raised now for England. They probably should make the final from here. Some pressure.
Sweden have quietly gone about their business at this World Cup. They are the only side to lose to Germany, and were good in that game too, They had a good win over Mexico in the group stages 3-0, but have grinded out the other wins. The 1-0 Round of 16 match was particularly lucky as the only goal came from wild deflection. But that’s what the Swedish do, and England should be wary again.
The Swedish coach said they would use the disrespectful goal celebration of the Germans to fire themselves up, and it has worked thus far.
QUARTER FINAL PATHWAY
ENGLAND – 2nd Group G – 6pts – GD +5
R16 – England 1 Colombia 1 (4-3 pens)
England are one of two teams that are left that finished 2nd in the group. Penalty shootout win against Colombia was their first at a World Cup. If they win and make the semi finals, they will be the first team to do so that haven’t won their group in 9 World Cups.
SWEDEN – 1st Group F – 6pts – GD +3
R16 – Sweden 1 Switzerland 0
The Swedes continue to fly under the radar a little, and could frustrate England out of the World Cup.
WHO CARES HISTORY
Head to Head – England 2 Sweden 2 Draw 3
Last Match – Sweden 4 England 2 – 2012 Friendly
Very even record between the two nations, can’t see as many goals as the last match.
WHO CARES FOR A BET?
RESULT – England $1.90 Sweden $4.80 Draw $3.25
TO QUALIFY – England $1.44 Sweden $2.80
OUR BEST BET – Under 2.5 Goals @ $1.44
WHO CARES WHAT WE THINK?
What we think will happen…
A cagey affair ending 1-0 on the back of a Harry Kane penalty or a 1-1 and extra time win for England.
What will probably happen..
0-0 after 120 minutes and then England win on penalties.
What our animal tipster Muttstradamus thinks…
England
What our small children think…
Sweden
WHO CARES ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE?
Who’s next?
The winner of this game will play the winner of Croatia v Russia
What to watch out for…
Harry Kane continue his march to the Golden Boot
Harry Kane smiling
How long will England persist with Dele Alli
Will Jordan Pickford become England’s greatest number 1, or will the keeper curse hit.
Can England do it twice in a row from the penalty spot.
Will the Swedes progress and what will the Zlatan reaction be.
Finishing with…. a match preview Haiku
Expectations high
A nation awaits glory
Shootout experts now
