Tag: 2023 Women’s World Cup betting odds lines picks predictions best bets against the spread over/under total moneyline

2023 Women’s World Cup: Italy vs. Argentina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Italy vs. Argentina odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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Italy and Argentina battle in the 1st action for both nations in the 2023 Women’s World Cup on Monday. Kickoff in the Group G matchup from Eden Park is set for 1 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Italy vs. Argetina odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Italy is bringing a squad with little experience as it has just 3 players with 25-plus caps on the roster. Over the last 12 months, Italy has won 5 of 11 matches, losing 5 with 1 draw. Italy has won 3 of its last 4 matches, beating New Zealand 1-0 in a friendly on July 14.  It qualified by being the UEFA Group G winner.

Argentina qualified by being the 3rd-place winner in the 2022 Copa America Femenina. It has won 5 of 6 games in 2023, beating New Zealand 1-0 and 2-0 in February. It did lose 7-0 to Spain and 2-0 to Canada in late 2022. Argentina ranks 28th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings with Italy sitting 16th.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Italy vs. Argentina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 1:58 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Italy -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | Argentina +425 (bet $100 to win $425) | Draw +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -175)

Italy vs. Argentina picks and predictions

Prediction

Italy 1, Argentina 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Argentina hasn’t played well against good competition over the last few years, but it did beat New Zealand twice. Italy has more talent and is a higher-ranked side, but isn’t worth a play at (-145).

I would take BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE – NO (-140).

A team has been held scoreless in 2 straight games for Italy and in 5 of 6 for Argentina in 2023. Both have good defenses and haven’t consistently scored in the attack.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-175).

Piggybacking off that prediction, the Under is a good play here, though a bit costly. Italy has gone Under this total in 5 of its last 9 matches, and Argentina has gone Under in 4 of its last 6.

The 1st 4 games of this tournament went Under this total, and the only games to go north of it in the 1st 2 days were between a top-10 side and a nation outside of the top 30 in FIFA’s rankings (Spain beat Costa Rica 3-0 and USA beat Vietnam 3-0).

Both of these teams are in the top 30 and should be able to limit opportunities. Take the UNDER 2.5 (-175).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: France vs. Jamaica odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s France vs. Jamaica odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

In the Group F opener for both nations, France and Jamaica meet Sunday at Sydney Football Stadium in the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the France vs. Jamaica odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

France is looking to build upon its 2019 performance at home, which saw it bow out against the USWNT in the quarterfinals. The heavily favored Les Bleus are led by Wendie Renard, while Valerie Gauvin is also a player to watch.

Jamaica was unable to get out of the group stages in the 2019 World Cup. In a World Cup tune-up on Feb. 22, the Jamaicans were dropped 3-0 by Australia. If there is a bright spot for Jamaica, it’s Havana Solaun, who players for the Houston Dash of the NWSL.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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France vs. Jamaica odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:44 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: France -2000 (bet $2,000 to win $100) | Jamaica +2200 (bet $100 to win $2,200) | Draw +$1450 (bet $100 to win $1,450)
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: +130 | U: -185)

France vs. Jamaica picks and predictions

Prediction

France 3, Jamaica 0

Moneyline (ML)

There is no way you can play France (-2000), which would cost you 20 times your potential return. In addition, playing No (-275): Both teams to score? is also too expensive.

This is going to be a rout, and the best bet is to play the MULTIPLE CORRECT SCORE 1:0, 2:0 OR 3:0 (+200) for a chance to double up.

Over/Under (O/U)

Outside of the Multiple Correct Score prop, referenced above, the other best bet is UNDER 4.5 GOALS (-185). If you’re a little more adventurous, playing UNDER 3.5 GOALS (+120) on the alternate line is worth a look at plus-money.

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Sweden vs. South Africa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Sweden vs. South Africa odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Sweden battles South Africa in Group G competition of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Sunday. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand is set for 1 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sweden vs. South Africa odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Sweden, ranked No. 3 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings. is the favorite to win Group G.  Italy (No. 16) and Argentina (28) round out the group with South Africa (54).

South Africa qualified for the World Cup by being the quarterfinal winners of the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa is 2-2-1 (W-L-D) in 2023 after finishing 2022 with a 3-4-1 record. It beat Costa Rica 2-0 in its most recent game, a friendly on July 15.

Sweden will be bringing one of the event’s most experienced squads, led by 38-year-old M Caroline Seger, who has 235 caps. It will also have versatility in its attack as 4 players have tallied 20 or more goals. Sweden is 2-1-2 on the year, coming off a 5-1 win July 17 over World Cup participant the Philippines.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Sweden vs. South Africa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:58 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Sweden -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100) | South Africa +2500 (bet $100 to win $2,500) | Draw +1050
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +125 | U: -175)

Sweden vs. South Africa picks and predictions

Prediction

Sweden 4, South Africa 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Sweden is one of the best teams in the world and rightfully is a -1200 favorite. However, it is unplayable at these odds given the upsets we’ve seen like New Zealand over Norway and Nigeria drawing Canada.

Similarly, South Africa (+2500) hasn’t performed well throughout the calendar year and hasn’t given much reason to believe it can even pull off a draw.

AVOID this risk.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 3.5 (+125).

Sweden has gone Over this total in 3 of 5 games this year and 3 of 5 games last year, scoring at least 3 goals on its own in 3 of 5 games in 2023.

It has a potent front 3, and 3 players with more than 100 caps in its midfield as well. However, no Swedish goalie has more than 16 caps which could lead to a few miscues early on.

In 2022, South Africa allowed 6 goals to Brazil and 4 to Australia. In 2023, it allowed 5 to Botswana and 3 to Serbia. The latter 2 do not have the same caliber of attack as Sweden either.

South Africa has gone Over this total in 2 of its last 3 games and in 3 of its last 6 games.

Put it all together and TAKE OVER 3.5 (+125).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Netherlands vs. Portugal odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Netherlands vs. Portugal odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Netherlands battles Portugal in each nation’s opening match of the Women’s World Cup Sunday in Dunedin, New Zealand. Kickoff for this Group E contest from Forsyth Barr Stadium — also known as Dunedin Stadium — is set for 3:30 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Netherlands vs. Portugal odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Group E, which includes the U.S., is loaded. The USNWT ranks 1st in the FIFA rankings, Netherlands is No. 9, Portugal is 21st and Vietnam is 32.

Netherlands qualified for the World Cup by winning Group C in UEFA. The Dutch are 3-2 this season, most recently shutting out Belgium 5-0 July 2. Netherlands has 4 players with 100+ caps and is led in the attack by F Lieke Martens, who has 145 caps and 59 goals.

Portugal claimed its 1st World Cup berth by winning Inter-confederation playoffs Group A. Portugal is 3-2-2 (W-L-D) in 2023. It lost to Norway 2-1 in an unofficial match April 16, Portugal’s last time on the pitch. It has an experienced squad with 6 players posting 100 or more caps, led by F Carolina Mendes, who has 113 caps and 23 goals.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Netherlands vs. Portugal odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:43 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Netherlands -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Portugal +500 (bet $100 to win $500) | Draw +333
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +105)

Netherlands vs. Portugal picks and predictions

Prediction

Netherlands 2, Portugal 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. 

Netherlands is a strong favorite for a reason. It is younger and has proven more this year. Portugal lost to Japan and Norway in its last 5 games. It also only beat Cameroon 2-1 to win the WWC qualification.

Netherlands is more balanced and has won its last 2 games a combined 9-1, a 5-0 win vs. Belgium and 4-1 victory vs. Poland. The Dutch also beat 5th-ranked Iceland 1-0. Netherlands is justified as a -210 favorite, but that is too steep of a price to pay.

Netherlands has scored in 2 straight matches, 4 of 5 this year and 6 of its last 7. Portugal has an experienced attack as well, scoring in 6 of 7 matches this year and in all 6 matches in 2022.

Both attacks should produce opportunities. BET BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (-120).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-145).

Portugal has gone Over this total in 4 of 7 games in 2022. Netherlands has gone Over in 3 of its last 4 games, and has scored at least 4 goals in 3 of its last 4 as well.

Netherlands has 3 players which have at least 30 international goals. The depth in the attack is there, and the Portuguese have proven themselves to be a potent offense over the last few years as well.

Take OVER 2.5 (-145) despite the juice.

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Denmark vs. China odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Denmark vs. China odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Denmark battles China in Group D action Saturday. Kickoff from Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia is set for 8 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Denmark vs. China odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

England and Haiti are the other 2 teams in Group D. England is the highest ranked team in the FIFA rankings at No. 4, while Denmark is 13th, China 14th and Haiti 53rd.

Denmark has won 4 of its 6 games in 2023, winning 2 of 3 in the Tournoi de France. It’s bringing one of the most experienced rosters with F Pernille Harder having 141 caps, MF Sanne Troelsgaard at 176 and D Katrine Veje at 145. Denmark qualified for this World Cup winning UEFA Group E.

China was the QF winner in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup to qualify. It has made it to 3 straight World Cups appearances. China is 2-3-3 (W-L-D) in 2023. It also features experience on its roster with 3 forwards having 100+ caps. Thirty-three-year-old captain F Wang Shanshan has 152 caps and 58 goals in her career.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Denmark vs. China odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:37 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Denmark -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | China +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +115 | U: -160)

Denmark vs. China picks and predictions

Prediction

Denmark 1, China 1

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+240).

China (+320) is the underdog here, but it has several quality performances so far in 2023. It drew Switzerland (ranked 20th in FIFA), Ireland (22nd) and Colombia (25th) this year. China’s 3 losses are to top-tier teams in Sweden (3rd), Spain (6th) and Brazil (8th).

China should be able to keep pace with Denmark (-120), which ranks more similarly to Japan and Switzerland than Sweden and Spain. China’s experience with 3 players in the midfield and defense with 100+ caps is also a factor that should help in its World Cup opener.

Denmark beat Sweden 1-0 but lost to Spain 2-0 in 2 of its last 3 matches. It should be a good battle against China, and with neither team having played in the last 2 years, the unfamiliar styles could lead to a stalemate.

For a small unit, BACK DRAW (+320).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-160).

Denmark has a strong defense and has clean sheets in 2 of its last 3 games, matches — vs. Japan and Sweden. It has gone Under this total in 5 of 6 games in 2023 as well.

China has gone Under in 3 of its last 7 games, drawing both Ireland and Switzerland 0-0 earlier this year. Two of its 3 most experienced strikers are 32- and 33-years-old, so their pace may not be able to produce as many opportunities.

Considering how the first few games of this World Cup have been at a slower pace and resulted in fewer goals, UNDER 2.5 (-160) seems like the better play here despite the extra juice.

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: England vs. Haiti odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s England vs. Haiti odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

England battles Haiti Saturday in Group D action of the 2023 Women’s World Cup Saturday. Kickoff in Brisbane, Australia, is set for 5:30 a.m. ET (FOX) from Suncorp Stadium — also known as Brisbane Stadium. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the England vs. Haiti odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

The other 2 teams in the group are China and Denmark. England is 4th in the FIFA Women’s Rankings, while Denmark is 13th, China 14th and Haiti 53rd.

This is Haiti’s 1st World Cup. F Batcheba Louis, who has 16 caps and 23 goals, will be the main forward to keep an eye on. All of Haiti’s 3 keepers have a combined 13 caps as well. However, Haiti has won 4 of 6 matches in 2023. It qualified by winning its group in the inter-confederation playoffs, qualifying on Feb. 22, 2023.

England qualified by winning UEFA’s Group D in September 2022. The Lionesses have won 3 of 7 games in 2023, drawing 3 more and losing once. Only 31-year-old D Lucy Bronze has 100+ caps for the team. MF Ella Toone, who also plays for Man U, leads England with 16 goals despite only being 23 years old.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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England vs. Haiti odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:58 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: England -5000 (bet $5,000 to win $100) | Haiti +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000) | Draw +2000
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

England vs. Haiti picks and predictions

Prediction

England 4, Haiti 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

England is one of the best teams in the World Cup and among the favorites to win the tournament. At -5000, there is no value to bet the Lionesses to win outright, especially after upsets like New Zealand was able to make to open the event vs. Norway.

Haiti (+4000) should have passionate play with it being the country’s first World Cup. However, don’t expect the Haitians to pull off an upset against a powerhouse like England.

PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 4.5 (-120).

Simply put, Haiti doesn’t have the experience or technical expertise to keep it close against England. It has gone Under this total in 6 of 7 games in 2023. Haiti has an ultra-young roster too, so it should be able to keep pace with England, but it may not be able to finish opportunities.

England has not scored in 3 consecutive games, drawing 2 straight matches 0-0. It has scored more than 4 goals just twice in its last 15 matches, one against Belgium and one against Luxembourg.

England’s experience comes in its backline as well, having 2 defenders with the most caps on the roster. No English player has scored more than 16 goals for the nation, so its roster should primarily be focused on defending at a high level.

Expect England to score often, just not frequently enough for the Over to hit. TAKE UNDER 4.5 (-120).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Zambia vs. Japan odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Zambia vs. Japan odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Zambia takes on Japan to commence each nation’s 2023 Women’s World Cup Saturday. Kickoff from FMG Stadium Waikato is set for 3 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Zambia vs. Japan odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Zambia will be making its World Cup debut after qualifying as the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal winner. Zambia, No. 77 in the FIFA Women World Rankings, has played 9 matches this calendar year, winning 4 of them, drawing just 1 and losing 4. Zambia won 6 of 8 games in 2022. F Barbra Banda is the most notable player, having scored 22 goals in 10 caps.

Japan, ranked No. 11 by FIFA, qualified for the World Cup by being a quarterfinal winner of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. It has now made the event 9 straight times. Japan is 3-3 so far this year after going 3-2-1 in 2022. Japan lost 1-0 to Brazil on Feb. 16 and 1-0 to USA on Feb, 19.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Zambia vs. Japan odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:22 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Zambia +775 (bet $100 to win $775) | Japan -375 (bet $375 to win $100) | Draw +475
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

Zambia vs. Japan picks and predictions

Prediction

Japan 3, Zambia 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Japan has competed well against top-tier nations this year and should be primed to perform up to expectations in the World Cup. Zambia similarly hasn’t made the event before and may struggle to play at Japan’s level.

However, given the (-375) value on the favorite, there’s no reason to consider a moneyline play. The risk isn’t worth the potentially minimal reward.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-120).

Japan beat Panama 5-0 on July 14. Other than that, it has gone Under 3.5 in in its other 5 matches this year. Japan went Under this total in 4 of 6 last year as well. Zambia has gone Over in 3 straight games, but this intensity should be higher than that of a friendly.

Japan also held 2 of the most potent offenses to just 1 goal each earlier in the year, so it should be able to tame Zambia. Considering how Japan should take the pace out of the game, back the UNDER 3.5 (+100).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Spain vs. Costa Rica odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Spain vs. Costa Rica odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Spain and Costa Rica face off Friday to open Group C play. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium is at 3:30 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Spain vs. Costa Rica odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Group C’s opener from Wellington, New Zealand, is not expected to change the narrative of both these teams. Spain is the favorite at -440 to win the group. The No. 6 team in the FIFA rankings and has the 2nd-shortest odds at +500 to win it all. No. 1 U.S. (+220) is the favorite, while England (+550), Germany (+700) and Australia (+850) are the only other teams with less than +1000 odds to win the Cup.

Spain’s national team has dominated recently, shutting out opponents in its last 4 matches, most recently routing Vietnam 9-0 July 13.

Costa Rica enters on a 4-game losing streak, scoring just once and suffering 3 shutouts. Costa Rica will likely be elated to score a few points in the group stage after missing the 2019 World Cup. At +10000, Costa Rica has the longest odds to win Group C — even though Zambia (+4900 to win Group C) is ranked lower in the FIFA rankings at 77, while Costa Rica is No. 36. Eleventh-ranked Japan (+400) has the 2nd-shortest odds to win the group.

That doesn’t mean Spain doesn’t have issues. The cohesion of this squad is not in a good place as several members walked away from the team to protest the coach Jorge Vilda’s style and decisions. Despite the unhappiness in the locker room, he will still coach Spain in the tournament.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Spain vs. Costa Rica odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:29 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Spain -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100) | Costa Rica +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000) | Draw +6500
  • Over/Under: 4.5 (O: -152 | U: +120)

Spain vs. Costa Rica picks and predictions

Prediction

Spain 3, Costa Rica 1

Moneyline (ML)

Spain (-10000) should win this game with ease, but the betting market makes that obvious call a bit worthless. I would never recommend a -10000 bet.

There are other bets to consider. A SAME GAME PARLAY OF SPAIN TO WIN AND BOTH TEAMS SCORE (+304) is an enticing option.

Spain is missing a few key players, including D Mapi Leon and MF Patri Guijarro — both disgruntled with the Royal Spanish Football Foundation. Their absence will hinder the defense, albeit slightly, which could open up a chance for Costa Rica to score.

Over/Under (O/U)

The moneyline odds on point toward a high-scoring match — mainly by Spain, but to put it in context, scoring in the Women’s World Cup in 2019 was nowhere close to this line.

Only 6 of the 36 group stage matches in 2019 exceeded the 4.5-goal total. Two of those came against lowly Jamaica and one was a 13-0 U.S. beatdown of Thailand.

BET UNDER 4.5 (+120).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Ethan Matthew on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: Philippines vs. Switzerland odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Philippines vs. Switzerland odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philippines battle Switzerland Friday in both teams’ 2023 Women’s World Cup debut. The Group A match is set for 1 a.m. ET (FS1) from Forsyth Barr Stadium — also known as Dunedin Stadium — in Dunedin, New Zealand. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Philippines vs. Switzerland odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Norway and Switzerland are the favorites to advance out of Group A, though Norway was upset in its 1st match by host New Zealand Thursday. Norway and Switzerland rank 12th and 20th, respectively, in the Women’s FIFA World Rankings; Philippines is No. 46 and New Zealand is 26th.

The Philippines qualified during the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in January 2022. It was among the 6 teams (Australia earning an automatic bid as a co-host with New Zealand) to come from the AFC. The Philippines lost to South Korea 2-0 in the semifinal of that tournament.

Switzerland qualified out of the UEFA playoffs. It finished at the top of the second-place teams, scoring 23 goals and allowing 4 in 8 matches. It was 6-1-1 in those matches. Switzerland is 0-1-5 (W-L-D) so far in 2023. The Swiss are led by Barcelona F Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic, who has 70 goals in 145 caps. She’s one of 4 Switzerland players with 100+ caps and the only player with 25+ goals.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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Philippines vs. Switzerland odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2:12 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Philippines +1150 (bet $100 to win $1,150) | Switzerland -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Draw +575
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -185 | U: -130)

Philippines vs. Switzerland picks and predictions

Prediction

Switzerland 4, Philippines 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

There’s just no value here either way. Switzerland (-500) has a player at each position group with 100+ caps, so the experience will be there for the favorite, but betting 5 times the potential profit isn’t worth the risk.

The Philippines (+1150) offers great value, but there won’t be an upset here.

Over/Under (O/U)

There’s too much juice on backing the Over 2.5 at -185. However, BET the ALTERNATE OVER 3.5 LINE (+140).

Switzerland scored 46 goals in 11 qualification matches, 19 goals in its 3 WWC qualifying games, including a 15-0 spanking of Moldova.

The Philippines have scored 8 goals in its last 5 games as well, so it should be able to create some opportunity.

The Philippines’ weaknesses will be obvious. Only one midfielder has more than 40 caps, and GK Olivia McDaniel only has 27. The lack of experience should allow Switzerland to blast through its backline consistently.

TAKE OVER 3.5 (+140).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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2023 Women’s World Cup: USA vs. Vietnam odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s USA vs. Vietnam odds and lines, with Women’s World Cup soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

USA battles Vietnam Friday to commence both teams’ 3-game group stage. Kickoff in the Group E battle from Eden Park in New Zealand is set for 9 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the USA vs. Vietnam odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

The USWNT qualified for the World Cup as the Group A winner in the CONCACAF Women’s Championship in 2022. USA won all 3 games, scoring 9 goals and allowing 0. USA, the No. 1 team in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, is the betting favorite to defend its 2019 Cup title won in France.

Vietnam, No. 32 in the FIFA rankings, qualified by winning in the play-offs for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. It will be among 8 nations making its World Cup debut. Vietnam beat Chinese Taipei and Thailand in the play-off, scoring 4 goals and allowing 1 in the 2 matches. It had finished 3rd in Group C, losing 2 of 3 with a -6 goal differential.

Watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX and FS1 with FUBO TV

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USA vs. Vietnam odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 9:45 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: USA -20000 (bet $20,000 to win $100) | Vietnam +3500 (bet $100 to win $3,500) | Draw +3000
  • Over/Under: 6.5 (O: -130 | U: -110)

USA vs. Vietnam picks and predictions

Prediction

USA 6, Vietnam 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

The USWNT is the most talented roster in the world. Unfortunately, for Vietnam, it won’t be at the level of its opponent, and it should result in an ugly result. However, at (-20000), there’s absolutely zero value in betting the heavy favorite to come out on top. Ultimately, pass on the moneyline.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 6.5 (-110).

USA has played 8 games in 2023 and played 7 games in 2022. It played teams like Wales, Japan, and Nigeria, all of which certainly aren’t top-tier nations. However, in neither calendar year did USA go Over 6.5 goals in a single match. It has scored 2 or fewer in 6 straight as well, all of which were held in the USA.

Vietnam doesn’t have the skill players to break through the USA backline either, so it is doubtful the underdog will be able to create many opportunities. USA has 7 clean sheets in 8 games in 2023.

Couple it all together and take the UNDER 6.5 (-110).

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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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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