Third Place Match

The Women's World Cup is down to four teams and two games. France will square off with Sweden in the third place game. The game is scheduled for an 11:30 a.m. start Saturday on ESPN2 and ESPN3.com.The French team was defeated 3-1 by the United States on Wednesday that saw the Americans get outplayed for a good portion of the match. France coach Bruno Bini wasn't happy with his team's performance in the later stages of the match, but his team had to regroup for a good Sweden squad. 

Sweden entered their semifinals match with Japan as the last team remaining without a loss. However, a resilient Japanese team was able to overcome an early deficit and score the final two goals in the second half. Sweden had only given up two goals in their first five games. In their loss to Japan on Wednesday, the Swedes managed just two shots on goal after Josefine Oqvist’s strike. Sweden defender Charlotte Rohlin, who has done a lot of the talking for her team, spoke out again after their defeat to the Japanese.

“Naturally, we’re really disappointed. Japan played really well and we just could not break them down,” Rohlin said. “We had the perfect start when Josefine scored in the tenth minute, but we couldn’t build on that. It seemed as though they broke down every single attack we had. Even our set-pieces didn't work. We were beaten by the better side. Japan were just too good for us. I hope they win the World Cup because they deserve it. They will face a tough final against USA, but they can win it.”

Captain Caroline Seger didn't get on the pitch during the Japan match and might not be able to compete against France on Saturday. Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby almost confirmed his captain would be out.

"She is very tough, yes, but she cannot play when she is hurt like that, it's too much," he said.

France has played very well the entire World Cup, dropping matches to Germany in pool play and the United States on Wednesday. The French have a very interesting style of play and they do a very good job with it. Their goal tending isn't the best as Berangere Sapowicz has had some troubles. If France is able to keep the pressure up on Sweden, we could see plenty of goals scored in the contest. 

Betting Odds

Moneyline: Sweden +135, France +165

Draw: +220

Total: Over 2.5 (-130), Under 2.5 (EVEN)

Pick: France to win in regulation time, 2-1

France has some excellent strikers up front including Camille Abily, a midfielder, and forwards Delie and Thiney. The French should be able to continue to get great chances on target against the Swedes. In their last match against the United States, France finished with 25 total shots and 8 on target.

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