British sports analytics company Opta has predicted four-time champions USA to claim a fifth title at this year’s edition in Australia and New Zealand.
The British firm, however, ranked Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a distant number 26 to win the global showpiece Down Under.
“The United States are our favourites to go all the way, with Opta’s supercomputer giving them a 21.6% chance of glory,” Opta stated.
“England, the champions of Europe, are ranked second, at 16.9%. However, Sarina Wiegman’s team are without some key players due to injury.
“Spain – who will have Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas back – are given a 21.9% chance of reaching the final and an 11.3% shot of glory. However, they head into the tournament amid a dispute over their working conditions. Germany and France come next.”
The sports analytics firm added, “Australia are ranked as the sixth favourites, at 5.88%, higher than the likes of the Netherlands, Sweden and Brazil. Fellow hosts New Zealand are in the middle of the pack, in 17th.”
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
