Switzerland Women v Spain Women

Switzerland Women vs Spain Women Preview

The round of last 16 commences on Saturday evening in Auckland at Eden Park and the knockout action features this upcoming clash between Group A winners, Switzerland, and Group C runners-up, Spain, despite suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at the hands of their group winners, Japan, in the final group match.

A win and two draws was enough to see Switzerland finish top of Group A where they'll join runners-up, Norway, into the knockout rounds and the round of 16 thanks to a 2-0 opening win against Philippines followed by two 0-0 draws on the trot, sharing points with Norway and New Zealand, the latter just narrowly missing out on their first ever knockout appearance on goal difference.

This is only Switzerland's second appearance in the Women's World Cup having previously qualified back in 2015, so to make it into the round of last 16 is an achievement in itself for Inka Grings' side but they'll be up against stern opposition in the shape of Spain on Saturday evening.

The bigger picture shows Switzerland have managed to capture just four wins out of their last 22 matches in all competitions though, and this could hold them back as they appear to lack a cutting edge up front.

Luckily for Spain, they had already secured their place in the knockout rounds of this competition having registered comprehensive wins against Costa Rica 3-0 and then a 5-0 thrashing of Zambia before falling foul to Japan in their final game in Group C.

However, despite the heavy 4-0 loss to the Japanese, Spain will still feel confident about their chances against the perceived lesser opposition in the shape of Switzerland in this round of last 16 clash as Jorge Vilda's side had accumulated eight wins on the trot prior to that recent loss.

This impressive winning streak included wins against Norway 4-2 and Denmark 2-0, while the bigger picture shows Spain generally find a way to win as they have won 14 out of their last 17 internationals in all competitions and this attacking edge may well come to fruition again on Saturday evening at Eden Park.

Switzerland Women v Spain Women Verdict

Switzerland and Spain have met on three previous occasions which have gone in the favour of Spain as they have collected two wins compared to Switzerland's singular success.

Goals could feature in this encounter as well though despite the Swiss being involved in two 0-0 draws recently as Spain are likely to force the issue here and Inka Grings' side will have to respond accordingly, and indeed, two of the previous three meetings between these two nations have resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85

Other side bets worth considering:

Spain win & Over 2.5 goals @ 2.20

Correct score: Spain 2-1 @ 9.50