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Summer Olympics: Japan vs. USWNT odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Japan vs. USWNT odds and lines, with expert Olympics soccer picks, predictions and best bets.

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The USWNT battles Japan Saturday at Parc des Princes in Paris. Kickoff is set for 9 a.m. ET (Telemundo / Peacock). Below, we preview FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. USWNT odds, and make our expert Summer Olympic picks and predictions.

The USWNT didn’t have typical sky-high expectations after a disappointing 2023 World Cup. However, the American woman have dominated 2024 so far, winning the SheBelieves Cup and the Concacaf Gold Cup. They won the Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Brazil March 10. The USWNT kicked off the Olympics with a 3-0 win over Zambia followed by a 4-1 victory against Germany. It concluded the group stage with a 2-1 win vs. Australia before heading into this quarterfinal match against Japan.

Japan has impressed in the group stage as well. It opened with a 2-1 loss to Spain but bounced back with 2 victories, taking down Brazil 2-1 and Nigeria 3-1. Having just 24.9% possession in its opening match against Spain was a disappointment, but in its 2nd game against another powerhouse, it had more than double the shots of Brazil.

The USWNT leads the all-time series vs. Japan 31-1-8 (win, loss, draw), including victories in 3 straight since 2020 — all in SheBelieves Cup action. Japan’s lone victory came in the 2012 Algarve Cup thanks to F Megumi Takase’s header in the 84th minute off a corner kick.

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Japan vs. USWNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Japan +430 (bet $100 to win $430) | USWNT -165 (bet $150 to win $100) | Draw +310
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -164 | U: +123)

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Japan vs. USWNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USWNT 2, Japan 0

Moneyline (ML)

TAKE USWNT (-165).

Despite the USWNT having not competed well in the World Cup, this is a new roster and it is both fast and technically sound. The team’s experience comes in its midfield as 2 players — Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Horan — have triple-digit caps. The USWNT beat Australia and Germany in the group stage. Both are in the top 12 of the FIFA world rankings — Australia is 12th, Germany is 4th and the US is 5th.

While Japan sits 7th, it couldn’t keep up with Spain, the top-ranked nation, in its 1-goal defeat. With the USWNT playing like it might be back to its global dominance, this game could mirror the Japan-Spain battle. Japan had 10 fewer shots and 13 fewer fouls in that match. Expect a similar performance for Japan.

USWNT (-165) is the way to go.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+123).

If one expects this game to mirror Japan’s most competitive group stage battle, it might not result in a ton of opportunities. Japan ended with just 4 shots while Spain had 7 shots on frame.

The USWNT has allowed just 9 shots on frame through its last 2 matches and should see an enhanced intensity given the knockout stage nature. The USWNT allowed just 1 goal in 4 World Cup matches last season and just 1 through its group stage in the Olympics. It has a strong backline with one of the most experienced goalkeepers in Alyssa Naeher.

Given the value here, TAKE UNDER 2.5 (+123).

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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.

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

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More USA TODAY Summer Olympics coverage:
News | Medal count | Meet Team USA

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

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

In the 2nd quarterfinal match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Japan battles Sweden. Kickoff from Eden Park is set for 3:30 a.m. ET Friday (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Sweden odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Japan was dominant in its group stage games, winning the 3 a combined 11-0. It beat Zambia 5-0, Costa Rica 2-0 and Spain 4-0. It then throttled Norway 3-1 Saturday in the Round of 16. Japan ended the group stage as 1 of 3 teams not to allow a goal. That streak ended with Norway, but it did manage 8 more shots and 1 more shot on frame than its opponent. Japan also finished with 61% possession. Japan sits 11th in the FIFA Women’s Ranking.

Sweden, which knocked off USA in the Round of 16, ranks 3rd. Both the nations above it, USA and Germany, have been eliminated. Sweden beat USA in penalty kicks. The 0-0 match ended with USA totaling 13 more shots and 10 more on frame. Sweden did dominate its group stage though, winning all 3 games and having a +8 goal differential. It beat Italy 5-0, Argentina 2-0 and South Africa 2-1.

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

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Japan vs. Sweden odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 12:05 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Japan +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Sweden +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Draw +225
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -185)

Japan vs. Sweden picks and predictions

Prediction

Japan 1, Sweden 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET JAPAN (+125).

While Sweden have performed well enough and even knocked off the top-seeded USA, it hasn’t looked overly impressive. It was down and needed a late goal to beat South Africa in the group stage and had just 1 shot on goal against USA. Sweden’s group stage didn’t showcase its skill, and neither did its match against USA.

Japan has crushed some top-tier sides. It beat Norway 3-1 and Spain 4-0. Both of those nations are top-15 sides. Japan has the technical ability to dominate possession, as did against Norway. Expect another strong showing and a Japanese full-time win.

Take JAPAN (+125).

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. BET BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE – NO (-145).

Both teams have dominant defensive sides and have showcased that throughout the tournament. That’s why Under 2.5 is juiced at (-185). That is unplayable, especially given Japan’s finishing, having tallied 14 goals in 4 games.

However, I like BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE (-145). Sweden has allowed just 1 goal throughout the 4 games, as has Japan. Japan conceded just 3 shots on goal against Norway. Sweden struggled against the best defense it had faced, USA, being held to just 1 shot on goal.

While Japan has looked strong, it had just 4 shots on goal against Norway. It likely won’t net 75% of its attempts on goal again. Although I still expect Japan to win this game, it should be a low-scoring battle, one which neither side gets many opportunities.

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

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

Japan battles Norway in the Round of 16 Saturday. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium is set for 4 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Norway odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Japan had arguably 1 of the most impressive group stage showings. It beat Zambia 5-0 on July 22, Costa Rica 2-0 on the 26th and Spain 4-0 on July 31. It did have just 23% possession against Spain but still managed 5 more shots on frame. Japan ended at the top of Group C with 11 goals for and 0 against. Sweden, England and Japan were the lone nations to win all 3 matches.

It sits 11th in the FIFA Women’s Rankings. Norway sits 12th. Norway advanced after finishing 2nd in Group A, which was won by Switzerland. Norway had 6 goals for and 1 against. That 1 against resulted in a 1-0 loss to New Zealand. It drew Switzerland and then advanced on goal differential after demolishing the Philippines 6-0. In its most difficult matchup, a 0-0 draw with Switzerland, it ended with 4 more shots on goal and 51% possession.

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

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Japan vs. Norway odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 11:05 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Japan -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Norway +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +125 | U: -175)

Japan vs. Norway picks and predictions

Prediction

Japan 1, Norway 1 (Norway advances in extra time)

Moneyline (ML)

SPRINKLE DRAW (+240).

Japan and Spain played with Costa Rica and Zambia in Group C, which was among the more top-heavy parings. Japan dominated everyone but Spain, and even beat La Roja 4-0.

Japan is skilled, but the concern is how it beat Spain—possessing for a fraction of the match and ending with 3 fewer shots. Norway, even in its draw and loss, had more shots and looked like the better side. That should bode well for it against Japan.

Norway has drawn against France (No. 5 in FIFA rankings) and Sweden (No. 3) this year. It should be able to compete at a high level, and against a favored Japan, a DRAW (+240) is worth a play.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-175).

Norway’s offense has not performed well. That almost cannot be stated loud enough as it scored 0 goals in its 2 toughest matchups and got through by pounding the Philippines 6-0. Its defense has been terrific though, allowing just 1 goal and minimum shots on goal.

Japan is in a similar boat. It thrashed the teams it should have, and then it clobbered Spain in a game that only mattered for seeding. Japan scored 11 goals through 3 matches and allowed 0. Norway’s defense and pace should help slow the game down and make Japan’s attack less lethal.

The juice is there, and it is borderline unplayable. However, at these odds, I like 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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2023 Women’s World Cup: Japan vs. Spain odds, picks and predictions

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

Japan (2 wins, 0 losses, 0 draws) battles Spain (2-0-0) in the Group C match Monday. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium is set for 3 a.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Spain odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Group C has already been decided with both Spain and Japan advancing. Spain has a +8 goal differential while Japan has a +7 goal differential, so a draw would leave Spain as the top nation from the group.

Spain beat Costa Rica 3-0 on July 21. It then took down Zambia 5-0 on  Wednesday. Spain’s strength so far has been its defense, allowing just 2 shots on goal through 2 matches. It also has an unheard-of 68 shots through the 2 games. Spain is 6th in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.

Japan sits 11th and has been equally as impressive. It commenced its World Cup action with a 5-0 win over Zambia, limiting its opponent to 0 shots. Japan has 11 shots on target (25 in total). Against Costa Rica, it allowed 2 shots on target and had 12 itself.

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

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Japan vs. Spain odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 4:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Japan +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Spain -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Draw +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +130 | U: -185)

Japan vs. Spain picks and predictions

Prediction

Spain 2, Japan 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. LEAN BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (+115).

Both Japan and Spain have shown clinical finishing in opening 2 matches. Each scored at least 2 goals and while the competition should be stiffer for both sides here, the offensive efficiency should still be there.

Spain has looked several tiers above its opponent while Japan hasn’t looked as dominant, although still performing well. Pass on the Spain money and any other team-specific play.

Given the finishing we’ve seen from both nations, take BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE (+115).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+130).

Japan has a more formidable defense than Zambia or Costa Rice, but Spain has topped 20 shots in each match. It will be able to continue to pepper the goal Monday.

Spain had scored at least 2 goals in every match of 2023 (having played 8 leading up to the World Cup). It had scored 3 or more in 6 of those. Its offense has consistently dominated in 2023.

Japan also had 20+ shots in each match and has scored in 3 of its 4 matches leading up to the World Cup, scoring multiple goals in 3 of the 4 as well.

Considering the strength of both sides, take OVER 2.5 (+130).

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.

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

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

In a Group C matchup, Japan (1-0-0 / W-D-L) and Costa Rica (0-0-1) meet Wednesday in the 2023 Women’s World Cup at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 a.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Japan vs. Costa Rica odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Japan rolled to a 5-0 victory against Zambia in the team’s opening match, as Hinata Miyazawa hit the back of the net twice, while Jun Endo, Mina Tanaka and Riko Ueki each contributed goals.

Costa Rica was on the short end of a 3-0 score against group favorite Spain. CRC had a difficult time in the possession game, with Spain winning the battle 80% to 20%, and Spain had 22 corner kicks to just 1. In addition, Costa Rica failed to get a shot on goal, while Spain racked up 12.

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

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Japan vs. Costa Rica odds

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

  • Moneyline: Japan -1200 (bet $1,200 to win $100) | Costa Rica +2800 (bet $100 to win $2,800) | Draw +1100
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +130 | U: -185)

Japan vs. Costa Rica picks and predictions

Prediction

Japan 3, Costa Rica 0

Moneyline (ML)

Japan (-1200) will cost 12 times the potential return. That’s way too much risk for not nearly enough reward. A Costa Rica (+2800) victory would pay 28 to 1, but Costa Rica has very little shot at winning outright, PASS.

Over/Under (O/U)

As long as Japan doesn’t go ballistic on the offensive end, playing the “multiple correct score” prop with JAPAN 1:0, 2:0 OR 3:0 (-105) is the way to go.

As far as the total, playing UNDER 3.5 GOALS (-185) is a solid play, based on the wager above. The -185 is more juice than I usually prefer, but I’m willing to risk it here.

In addition, take a look at the “half with most goals” prop, and consider the 2ND HALF (-105) as the winning play.

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.

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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.

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Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball: USA vs. Japan odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s USA vs. Japan odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball gold medal picks, tips and best bets.

Team USA and Japan play for the gold medal in the Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball Tournament Saturday. Tip-off will be at 10:30 p.m. ET at Saitama Super Arena. Below, we preview the USA vs. Japan odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Both teams won in a rout in the semifinals Friday. USA beat Serbia 79-59 and Japan took down France by an 87-71 score. Team USA is 5-0 in the tournament and won each of its games in the Knockout Stage by 20-plus points. Japan is 4-1 in the tournament with an 86-69 loss to the Americans in the Group Stage as the only blemish.

The USA entered the Olympics as the No. 1 team in the FIBA world rankings. Meanwhile, Japan has had a miracle run on home soil (even without fans) as the 10th-ranked team.

USA vs. Japan: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Japan +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USA -17.5 (-125) | Japan +17.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under: 160.5 (O: -115 | U: -120)

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USA vs. Japan: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

USA 86, Japan 78

Money line (ML)

Team USA (-3000) is a colossal favorite with an implied win probability of 96.77%. While it’s likely too steep of a price in the final of an international tournament, the Americans are a safe bet to win and secure the gold medal. However, there’s no sense laying $100 to win just $3.33.

There’s also no way to justify betting such a heavy underdog as Japan. We can get adequate value on the Olympic hosts with the spread.

PASS.

Against the spread (ATS)

JAPAN +17.5 (-110) is the best bet in the women’s basketball gold medal game.

Japan topped sixth-ranked Belgium in the quarterfinals before blowing the doors off of fifth-ranked France Friday morning. It also hung around in the 86-69 loss to the Americans in the Group Stage. It’ll put up a strong fight in the final at home in Tokyo.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 160.5 (-115) is a strong play on the total. Both teams focus on offense and have each averaged 83.6 points per game in the tournament.

Japan has hit at a blistering 40.9% rate from 3-point range while the Americans still make a quality 35.7% of 3-pointers and tournament-best 49.7% of all field-goal attempts.

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Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball: USA vs. Japan odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s USA vs. Japan odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball picks, tips and best bets.

In Summer Olympics Women’s Basketball action Friday, USA and Japan play in a 12:40 a.m. ET tip-off at Saitama Super Arena. Below, we preview the USA vs. Japan odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Team USA wasn’t terribly impressive in its first game of group play Tuesday, squeaking by Nigeria 81-72. It wasn’t even close to covering the big 30.5-point spread, as the Americans were sloppy with 25 turnovers.

It wasn’t all bad, as Las Vegas Aces standout F A’ja Wilson had a double-double in her Olympic Games debut, posting a team-best 19 points with 13 rebounds, helping head coach Dawn Staley to her first win in the Olympics.

Host-nation Japan snuck by France 74-70, with three scorers in double digits. G Saki Hiyashi led the way with 12 points off the bench, including three triples.

USA vs. Japan: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100) | Japan +1550 (bet $100 to win $1,550)
  • Against the spread/ATS: USA -20.5 (-105) | Japan +20.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under: 161.5 (O: -115 | U: -110)

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USA vs. Japan: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

USA 97, Japan 71

Money line (ML)

USA (-10000) is an overwhelming favorite. In fact, you would need to risk $100 to win a mere $1. You cannot do that.

AVOID, and look to the spread instead.

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Against the spread (ATS)

USA -20.5 (-105) is a great play in its second group play game against the undersized Japan.

The Americans really struggled with turnovers and looked a bit rusty against Promise Amukamara and Nigeria, but they’ll right the ship and blow past the Japanese Thursday.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 161.5 (-115) is the best play on the board, as the Americans should flirt with triple digits against the smaller side.

After a shaky start in its first game, USA will knock off the rust and won’t take its foot off the gas in this one, looking to make a statement similar to how the men’s side recovered in Game 2 in their pool.

Want some action in this one? Place a Summer Olympics bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer: France vs. Japan odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Wednesday’s France vs. Japan odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer picks, tips and best bets.

In the final match of the Group Stage for both sides, France (1-1-0) takes on undefeated Japan (2-0-0) Wednesday at International Stadium Yokohama with a 7:30 a.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the France vs. Japan odds and lines, and make our best Olympic men’s soccer bets, picks and predictions.

While fans won’t be cheering it on in the stadium, Japan still gets the luxury of playing at home. So far this tournament, it has been beneficial as it has locked up a place in the knockout round with two wins.

It now takes on a French side which disappointed in Euro 2020.

While the bulk of those players won’t be in Tokyo, the next generation of French talent takes the field. France lost 4-1 to Mexico but beat South Africa 4-3.

France vs. Japan: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:15 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: France +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Japan +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +100)

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Prediction

Japan 2, France 1

Money line (ML)

“LEAN” to JAPAN (+115) as it will try to win all three games and make a statement at home. These U23 players are going to want to make a name for themselves.

F Takefusa Kubo has impressed with 2 goals in the tournament. On top of that, Japan has given up just 1 goal through its first two games.

The high-scoring French side has been both fantastic offensively and disappointing defensively. It needs to figure out a way to slow down Japan, and that doesn’t seem likely.

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Over/Under (O/U)

BET on the OVER 2.5 (-140) as France’s struggles to defend have highlighted its tournament.

France has given up 7 goals through two games yet has scored 5 of its own. No team gets as close in terms of combined goals in its matches and Japan has scored 3 and given up only 1.

France F Andre-Pierre Gignac has 4 goals in two games including a hat trick. His dominance combined with the Japanese offensive prowess should result in a high-scoring match.

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Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer: Japan vs. Mexico odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Sunday’s Japan vs. Mexico odds and lines, with Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer picks, tips and best bets.

In Summer Olympics Men’s Soccer Group A action Sunday, Japan and Mexico play in a 7 a.m. ET kickoff at Saitama Stadium. Below, we preview the Japan vs. Mexico odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.

Host-nation Japan picked up a 1-0 victory against South Africa in its Olympics opener. Standout Takefusa Kubo picked up the only tally to propel Samurai Blue to the victory.

Mexico’s senior team is still playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but there are plenty of outstanding international players to go around. El Tri proved that with a decisive 4-1 victory over France in its Group A opener Thursday.

Japan vs. Mexico: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:40 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Japan +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Mexico +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +100 | U: -140)

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Prediction

Mexico 1, Japan 0

Money line (ML)

MEXICO (+145) was dominant in its opening match against France, and it’s suddenly one of the favorites to win Gold.

It should be able to top the host nation Japan, which won, but wasn’t terribly impressive against South Africa.

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Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (-140) is the best play on the board in this matchup, as Japan showed tremendous defense against South Africa. El Tri also shut down a very good France side in the opener. Look for the scoring chances to be at a premium at Saitama Stadium.

Want some action in this one? Place a Summer Olympics bet with BetMGM today. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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