SOCCER

FanDuel Women's World Cup Daily Fantasy Helper: Saturday 6/29/19

Sara Dabritz has scored in three straight games for Germany and will continue to see opportunities against Sweden. Which other players can boost your FanDuel lineup on the last day of quarterfinals in the Women's World Cup?

The World Cup is now in the quarterfinals, and FanDuel is offering daily fantasy contests. The Saturday main slate will consist of the final two matches of the quarterfinals, starting at 9 a.m. EST.

FanDuel has altered its soccer format for the Women's World Cup for the multi-match offerings, and it's important to know how those changes impact things. The single-match slates, which is, are the same format as usual.

Quarterfinals
Saturday, June 29
Italy vs. Netherlands
Germany vs. Sweden


Netherlands and Germany are both favorites in their respective match ups. Italy are the surprise outfit to this point in the tournament, but odds imply that both teams will score in the first match of the day. It is Italy's first quarterfinal since 1991 while Netherlands have reached this stage for the first time.

Germany and Sweden will meet for the fifth time in the World Cup, but Germany are the only team that have not yet allowed a goal in the tournament. That will likely not intimidate Sweden as they were outplayed in most major offensive categories against Canada in the Round of 16, but came out on top. Sweden were dominated in possession, which may be the case again against Germany.

Let's look at players across different price points from these four squads, including a few risky picks, who can shine in these crucial matchups.

Forwards/Midfielders

Sara Dabritz, Germany ($22)

Dabritz has the second most points per game on this slate and has been a penalty kick taker for Germany. She now has a goal in three straight matches, although that was the source of most of her FanDuel points against Nigeria. She had nine tackles, four fouls drawn, and three interceptions in the previous three matches. Sweden are a good enough team to threaten Germany, which will allow Dabritz to be more active on both sides of the ball. Regardless, Dabritz can still be an offensive asset. She has 18 shots over the four matches averaging two shots on target per match. Midfield counterpart Dzsenifer Marozsan ($12) is set to make a comeback after a broken toe, but that should not hinder the potential impact from Dabritz.

Aurora Galli, Italy ($16)

Galli came on for Cristiana Girelli ($18) in the first half of the Round of 16 match and scored her third goal of the tournament. Girelli's status for the quarterfinal match is unclear, so Galli may go from super substitute to starter.


Galli contributes mainly on the offensive side of the ball but showed that she will put in work defensively against a good offensive team. She had four tackles and two interceptions against Brazil in the group stage. That was the only match that Italy lost, but Galli adapted her game to help the team. She can do that again in the quarterfinal, although her pricing requires that she be in the starting XI.

Lineth Beerensteyn, Netherlands ($10)

Beerensteyn is a risk as she is unlikely to start. However, she has been replacing Shanice van de Sanden ($10) early in the second half and averages nearly as many points. She is a spark off the bench and did score against Canada. She will likely be the first one off the bench and be expected to jump-start the Netherlands offense if they are still searching for a clinching goal early in the second half. Beerensteyn had a similar role for Bayern Munich last season but started 15 of 19 matches this year.

Defenders

Linda Sembrandt, Sweden ($12)

Sembrandt has been consistent for Sweden on the back line and even scored a goal in the group stage. She had arguably her best defensive match against Canada with 10 clearances in the Round of 16. This was after six clearances against the United States. Sembrandt also managed to get through the entire match against Canada without a foul and now averages just one foul per match. Sweden will be tested more in the air, especially by Alexandra Popp ($20) and likely on defense more often than in the previous match. She has a chance to eclipse 10 clearances and set a new high water mark for the World Cup.

Merel van Dongen, Netherlands ($8)

Van Dongen has been reliable, but not showing up heavily on the FanDuel score sheet. She had eight tackles against Canada and has at least one interception in every game of the tournament. Van Dongen has sent in seven crosses but has only been credited with two chances created. She has been more involved with the ball at her feet in the last two matches even though it may be to alleviate pressure. That will likely be the case versus Italy with their front line being very active and trying to put pressure on the ball at all times. That could wear down the Italy side and allow van Dongen to get more involved offensively. However, if Italy gets to their game then van Dongen will put up good defensive numbers. Van Dongen can save some money for high-priced attackers, but she does come with more risk than the next player.

Sara Gama, Italy ($8)

Gama is averaging 13 points per match with two games of 18 through the four matches thus far. She has had at least five clearances in each of the past three matches. Gama has also drawn a foul and had at least one tackle in all but one match. Gama featured at Juventus this season and played a part in 16 clean sheets. Juventus were only scored on in six matches the entire season. Gama averages the most points of all the defenders priced at $8, the lowest price on the slate.

Keepers

Almuth Schult, Germany ($16)

As the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Schult has scored either 20 or 23 points in every match given the clean sheets to this point in the competition. She did make two saves against Nigeria. Three of the top four final score predictions by the odds are yet another shut out for Germany. The possession numbers should not be quite as lopsided, but Germany held 69% of the ball last match. Sweden had slightly less possession than Canada, so if that trend continues Schult should be in a familiar situation.

Laura Giuliani, Italy ($12)

Giuliani has made 16 saves through four matches. She had her best match of the tournament in the Round of 16 making six saves against China. Netherlands managed to put five of their 12 shots against Japan on target and were confident on the ball most of the night. Giuliani will be tested in this match and is not expected to win, so that means backing her is backing saves. Netherlands have had more possession in all but one match. Canada had 51% of possession in that match. Italy will likely be on the back foot and Giuliani will have to be at her best to continue her team's Cinderella run.



Doug Smith is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Douglas Smith also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username aquemini03. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.