All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

France Women’s vs Iceland Women’s – Match Preview

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France Women’s vs Iceland Women’s – Match Preview – France face Iceland in their opening fixture at the 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros. The two nations have a history in the tournament, having met eight years ago when Iceland kicked off their debut campaign at the European Championships; where France were victorious, 3-1. This was one of France’s seven victories over Iceland in a total of nine competitive encounters that has seen the small Scandinavian nation win once. With form, quality and history, it would suggest an easy three points for the French, however, Iceland will be looking to establish themselves amongst Europe’s elite by providing a monumental shock in their curtain raiser.

France recently took the field on two occasions for friendly internationals against Belgium and Norway. A dominant 2-0 victory over the Belgians showcased the class that the French women possessed, however, were held to a 1-1 draw with the Norwegians most recently after taking an early lead in the third minute. Defensive insecurities were capitalised on by Norway as they equalised late on to stop the French in their tracks. France’s world class attack is their best asset, however they will have to keep defensive mistakes to a minimum if they are to go all the way in this tournament; a milestone that manager, Olivier Echouafni, believes is a realistic achievement. Can the French kickstart their campaign with an expected victory?

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – France to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 – 11/8

Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir will spearhead the Iceland attack Photo Credit: visir.is

Iceland have failed to impress in their recent showings; their most recent match ending in a 1-0 loss to Brazil in an international friendly. The small, proud nation also drew with Ireland in a recent friendly and have failed to show much attacking prowess in their bouts. Manager, Freyr Alexandersson, will understand the mammoth task ahead of his rather inexperienced side and may play for a draw; a result that would be fantastic for Iceland and terrible for France. Going toe to toe with one of the world’s strongest nations should prove too difficult for the Icelandic outfit, however, with the magical feeling surrounding this tournament, anything could be possible. Icelandic legend, Margrét Lára Viðarsdóttir, will be her nation’s biggest threat, spearheading the Scandinavian attack. The striker is the women’s side all-time top scorer and will be looking to add to her already impressive career tally. Can Viðarsdóttir and company provide a huge shock?

Skybet Match Result – Iceland to Win – 18/1

 

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Germany Women’s vs Sweden Women’s – Match Preview

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Germany Women’s vs Sweden Women’s – Match Preview – The tournament’s most successful ever nation will kick off their campaign on Monday against a strong Swedish side. Both titans of the women’s game in Europe, this match promises to be one of the most entertaining matches of the group stages.

The German’s have won the last six European Championships in a row dating back to 1995; a rather astounding achievement from one of the World’s most dominant sporting nations. Unsurprisingly, the Germans are favourites to lift the trophy however face a tough first test against Sweden.

Sweden were the first ever nation to win the European Championships since UEFA’s ownership of the tournament in 1984. Since that historical campaign, the Swedes have fallen just short of lifting the trophy three times; losing in the 1987, 1995 and 2001 final, the two most recent at the hands of the Germans.

Germany captain Dzsenifer Marozsan Photo Credit: uefa.com

Germany will begin the defence of their title on Monday in good spirits; following a 3-1 win over Brazil in a recent friendly. Their World class players such as Anja Mittag, Sara Dabritz and captain Dzsenifer Marozsán is an indication that they are yet again the side to beat this tournament. Manager, Steffi Jones, has also given some of the young players a call-up in the German set-up with Lina Magull and Hasret Kayikci both earning their place after impressive seasons in the Frauen Bundesliga.

Skybet Price Boost – Germany to Win 1-0 – 9/2

Linda Sembrant will try to stop the German attack from breaching the Swedish defence

Sweden most recently took to the field against Mexico in a friendly match where they were successful in getting a 1-0 win. A first half goal from defender, Linda Sembrant, gave the Swedes a well-deserved victory as they will look to carry the momentum into their curtain raiser against the most feared nation in the tournament. Going toe to toe with Europe’s most dominant force in the women’s game will be a challenge the Swedish team will rise to, understanding they will have to sit back and soak up the pressure from Germany’s all-star attack. The Swedes are SkyBet’s 5th favourites to win the tournament outright, proving this match should be a blockbuster. Can Sweden provide a huge shock in their opener?

Skybet Match Result – Sweden to Win – 5/1

These two nations met at the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janiero where Germany came out victorious, 2-1. Will history repeat itself?

Skybet Correct Score – Germany to Win 2-1 – 15/2

 

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Curacao vs Mexico – Match Preview

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Curacao vs Mexico – Match Preview – Curacao will face Mexico in the final round of the group fixtures at the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Mexicans participated to a bore draw with Jamaica in their previous outing meaning that progression to the next round isn’t a certainty despite currently leading Group C. Curacao suffered a second successive 2-0 defeat, this time to El Salvador. Having conceded two goals in the first half hour, the Caribbean’s were unable to convert a 44th minute penalty; a coincidence that has summed up their Gold Cup campaign so far. That 2-0 defeat means Curacao will take the field for the final time at the tournament, whilst their opponents still have it all to play for with El Salvador and Jamaica breathing down their necks.

The Mexicans dominated their last match against the Jamaicans but were unable to convert their furiously superior possession into clear goal scoring chances. The Central Americans only managed three shots on target all match with a total of 73% possession; a statistic that reflects upon the inexperience of this fresh-faced Mexican side.

Manager, Juan Carlos Osario, will look to alter his sides tactics yet again in their bid for qualification to the knockout stages; after trialling an ineffective 4-4-2 that baffled a lot of supporters after Mexico’s previous success in a 4-3-3 formation in their curtain raiser. The bookmakers are expecting the Mexicans to come out victorious in this showdown, where a point will be enough to see them qualify through. Will Osario’s men come out on top?

Skybet Correct Score Betting – Mexico to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4

Curacao will be bitterly disappointed with how their Gold Cup campaign has panned out. After a poor showing in their first match, things didn’t get any better for Ramko Bicentinni’s side who replicated their previous score line, proving unclinical in front of goal and unstable in their backline. With little to no expectations laid out for the Caribbean side before the tournament began, it’s safe to say that Curacao have not impressed and have been frustrating viewing for many impartial fans. With their qualification chances already out the window, Mexico should prove too much for the small island, however this tournament can provide shocks.

Skybet Match Result – Curacao to Win – 16/1

Team News

Neither side has any injuries or suspensions ahead of Monday’s fixture.

When these two met in 1970, Mexico won 7-0. Will another thrashing be on its way for Curacao?

 

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