Women's World Cup 2019 preview: What to know, how to watch USA vs. Sweden

Chelsea Howard

Women's World Cup 2019 preview: What to know, how to watch USA vs. Sweden image

The United States and Sweden have already advanced to the next round, but the two will fight it out Thursday to determine which nation finishes at the top of Group F in the final matchday of the group stage.

Both the Americans and Swedes enter Thursday's matchup without having faced major resistance at the World Cup so far as both nations have easily controlled their first two games of the group stage. Sweden won its first match 2-0 against Chile, and then its second 5-1 over Thailand. The U.S., on the other hand, won its first against Thailand 13-0 before defeating Chile, 3-0. 

The winner of Thursday's game will top Group F and move on to face Spain in the Round of 16, while the loser will face whoever finishes second in Group E ⁠⁠⁠— either the Netherlands or Canada. 

Here's what you need to know:

What time does the USA vs. Sweden match start?

The match kicks off Thursday at 3 p.m. ET at Stade Oceane in Le Havre, France.

How to watch or stream the USA vs. Sweden game?

Fox will broadcast the USA vs. Sweden game. It can also be live-streamed on Fox Sports Go.

How many times has the U.S. played Sweden?

The U.S. and Sweden have met a total of 38 times, but will play in their sixth match at the World Cup on Thursday. The USA's last loss at the tournament came against the Swedes in 2011, which was a 2-1 defeat in the group stage. The Americans have had the best of the series all-time, amassing a record of 21W-6L-11D.

Who is the Sweden player to watch?

Kosovare Asllani: The midfielder has been involved in three goals (two goals, one assist) so far in the tournament, which is the most on her team. She also completed eight dribbles through the first two matchdays, which is tied for the third most of any player at the World Cup. With her ball skills, technique and speed, the U.S. will need to be wary of the threat Asllani poses in attack for the Swedes.

What are three Opta facts to know?

  • Carli Lloyd (10) needs two goals to tie Michelle Akers for the second-most goals by an American at the Women’s World Cup. Lloyd has not scored against Sweden since January 2011.

  • The U.S. has kept clean sheets in 17 of their last 21 matches in all competitions (18W-1L-2D). They have not conceded in Group Stage play since the opening match of the 2015 tournament against Australia.

  • Entering the final matchday of the Group Stage, the U.S. is leading the tournament in goals for (16), shots (66), shots on target (29 – 11 more than the next closest team), possession (72.0 percent), possessions won in the final third (35), shots faced (three), expected goals (10.9) and expected goals against (0.1). They are also tied for first in goals conceded (0).

Prediction

USA 3, Sweden 1

The U.S. has kept a clean sheet up until this point, but that could change Thursday as Sweden will likely present a challenge for goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Even though it will be the most competition the Americans have faced up until this point, they'll likely still walk away with a win.

Chelsea Howard