Spain (1-0-0 / W-D-L) takes on Zambia (0-0-1) Wednesday as Group C play continues. Kickoff from Eden Park is at 3:30 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Spain vs. Zambia odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
The results in the opening games for both these teams were not surprising. Zambia was +775 to beat Japan and lost 5-0. Spain was -10000 against Costa Rica and won 3-0. But sometimes it’s how you play that matters.
Zambia made its World Cup debut against Japan Saturday and was overpowered by the 2015 runner-up. It wasn’t immediate though as Japan only led 1-0 at halftime on a goal from M Hinata Miyazawa in the 43rd minute.
Japan’s defense prevented the African nation from any offensive success. Zambia failed to take a shot on goal, or any shot close to the goal, even with its lone corner kick.
Spain’s 3-0 win against Costa Rica, while impressive, was still much lower than what its stats show. Spain took 22 corner kicks and 46 shots against Costa Rica (12 on goal). It held the ball 80% of the time, while Costa Rica failed to take a single shot on goal.
Despite all that, Spain only scored twice, on goals by M Aitana Bonmati and F Esther Gonzalez — 1 of Spain’s goals was a Costa Rica own goal.
Spain is No. 6 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings; Zambia checks in at No. 77.
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Spain vs. Zambia odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 2:13 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Spain -15000 (bet $15,000 to win $100) | Zambia +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000) | Draw +3500
- Over/Under: 4.5 (O: -135 | U: -105)
Spain vs. Zambia picks and predictions
Prediction
Spain 5, Zambia 0
Moneyline (ML)
Like its 1st match, Spain (-15000) is heavily favored. The moneyline odds are so high, you have to PASS and look to other options.
From the last game, Spain shook off a lot of its pre-World Cup drama and showed how dominant it can be. But despite the one-sided match with Costa Rica, it took Spain until the 23rd minute to score.
Zambia has problems with its defense, but held Japan scoreless until right before the 1st half ended. So far in this tournament, it’s taking teams a fair amount of time to score. Of the 1st 32 goals scored, only 8 have come before the 45-minute mark. Teams are averaging 42 minutes per goal.
BET DRAW AT 30 MINUTES (+195).
Over/Under (O/U)
Only 2 of the 1st 12 matches played have gone Over 4 goals, but there are a few reasons to like the Over here. First, Zambia’s loss to Japan was 1 of those Over results. Second, Zambian GK Catherine Musonda was given a red card late in that game, disqualifying her from playing against Spain.
Zambia won’t be playing their 2nd-stringer because Musonda was the backup. Hazel Nali was the starter, but had to bow out days before the World Cup began with a knee injury. If the backup allowed 5 goals it may be impossible to keep this game close. Spain had 12 shots on goal in the 1st game.
BET OVER 4.5 (-135).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
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