FT · World: World Cup · Saturday, 20 June 2026

Netherlands 51 SwedenMatch recap & Bawler model verdict · Saturday, 20 June 2026

Netherlands
51
Netherlands win
Sweden
> 🧠 Model verdict
✓ Model called it

Pre-match, Bawler had Netherlands at 52%, draw at 28%, Sweden at 20%. The match ended 5-1 — confirming the model's lean toward Netherlands.

> Pre-match probability vs result
Netherlands win
52%
Actual ✓
Draw
28%
Sweden win
20%
> Expected vs actual goals
Model expected (xG)
1.831.08
Total 2.91
Actual
51
Total 6 (+3.1 vs xG)

Match overperformed xG by 3.1 goals. Above-expectation scoring — could be finishing, set-piece luck, or genuine attacking quality the model under-rated.

> 🧾 What the model called · and how it landed
High confidence
Over 1.5 Goals
Pre-match: 77%
✓ Won
Medium confidence
1X
Pre-match: 66%
✓ Won
Outside shot
Under 2.5 Goals
Pre-match: 25%
✗ Lost
> What we said pre-match
"Over 1.5 Goals sits at 77% because Netherlands' 1.83 xG advantage and Gakpo's 22% of team shot creation will likely overwhelm Sweden's 1.08 xG."

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