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2024 Summer Olympics: Zambia vs. USWNT soccer odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Zambia vs. United States odds and lines, with Olympics women’s soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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In 2024 Summer Olympics women’s soccer action, Zambia and the United States meet Thursday at 3 p.m. ET (USA Network / Peacock / Universo). The opener for both teams takes place at Allianz Riviera in Nice, France. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines for the Zambia vs. USWNT, and make our expert Summer Olympic picks and predictions.

Zambia and United States are in Group B with Australia and Germany, which play earlier in the day at 1 p.m. ET (Peacock / Universo).

The Copper Queens from Zambia are 64th in the FIFA rankings. It defeated Cameroon in the final round of the African qualifiers to punch its ticket to Paris. Zambia is appearing in the Summer Olympics for the 2nd time, also appearing in Tokyo where it finished 9th.

The USWNT posted a scoreless draw in a friendly against Costa Rica in Washington D.C. July 16. The Americans have posted 4 consecutive clean sheets in 4 international friendlies leading up to the Olympics. The last time USA allowed a team to score was 5 matches ago in a 2-2 win on penalties against Canada in the SheBelieves Cup in April.

The USWNT has won 5 golds in the Olympics, but it hasn’t won it all since the 2012 London games.

Zambia vs. USWNT odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:37 a.m. ET.

  • 3-way moneyline (ML): Zambia +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000) | USWNT -3000 (bet $3,000 to win $100) | Draw +1300
  • 2-way spread: Zambia +2.5 (+130) | USWNT -2.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 3.5 (O: -136 | U: +108)

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Zambia vs. USWNT picks and predictions

Prediction

USWNT 4, Zambia 1

Moneyline

You can’t play the United States (-3000) straight up on the 3-way moneyline, risking 30 times your potential return. While it’s a near certainty that the Stars and Stripes hammer Zambia (+5000), there is no value playing the giant favorite.

PASS.

2-way Line/Against the spread

USWNT -2.5 (-160) is a strong play laying the points.

Zambia +2.5 (+130) took it on the chin in the Olympic opener in the Tokyo games, falling 10-3 against the Netherlands. While the Copper Queens should be much improved, facing a world power on the pitch in the opening match in Paris is a tall order.

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Over/Under

OVER 3.5 (-136) is a strong play, and the Americans could take care of the Over all on its own.

While the USWNT has scored 8 goals in the past 4 matches, it has faced some higher quality competition in the friendlies. It should roll up the offense against an overmatched Zambian side.

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/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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

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2024 Summer Olympics: France vs. USA men’s soccer odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s France vs. United States odds and lines, with Olympics men’s soccer expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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In 2024 Summer Olympics men’s soccer action, host nation France and the United States meet Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET (USA Network / Peacock / Telemundo). Kickoff is at Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines for the France vs. United States, and make our expert Summer Olympic picks and predictions.

France and United States meet in their opening match of Group A play. The group also includes Guinea and New Zealand, which face off earlier in the day.

French manager Thierry Henry has an inexperienced, but talented U23 group. France (+210) is the gold medal favorite, slightly ahead of Argentina (+240) and Spain (+280) before the odds get much longer for the other competing nations.

France is led by Alexandre Lacazette, who plays for Lyon in France’s top tier Ligue 1. The talented striker played for Arsenal in the English Premier League for 5 seasons (2017-2022).

While there are 3 overage spots available to include players older than 23 years of age, France will not have star and usual team captain F Kylian Mbappe. His new employer Real Madrid was against the idea of its big investment competing in the Olympic format.

Meanwhile, Team USA won’t have F Christian Pulisic. The Americans qualified for the Olympic tournament for the first time since the 2008 games in Beijing. Despite no Pulisic, manager Marko Mitrovic has a talented U23 squad. GK Gaga Slonina is top-notch, and the team features F’s Paxten Aaronson and Taylor Booth, as well as MF Gianluca Busio to provide the scoring.

France vs. United States odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:23 a.m. ET.

  • 3-way moneyline (ML): France -240 (bet $240 to win $100) | United States +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Draw +360
  • 2-way spread: France -1.5 (+130) | United States +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +109)

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France vs. United States picks and predictions

Prediction

France 1, United States 0

Moneyline

Look for the host nation France (-240) to get off to a quick start. However, risking nearly 2½ times your potential return is quite a bit, and there is just not enough reward.

Instead, it’s a good idea to play HALF-TIME RESULT DRAW (+135). This match kicks off prior to the opening ceremonies. Expect the energy to be a bit low, and the play uneven as these 2 young sides get started. It will take a while to feel each other out and gain any offensive momentum.

2-way Line/Against the spread

UNITED STATES +1.5 (-160) is worth look as this team definitely isn’t devoid of talent. The USMNT should at least be able to hang around and keep it within a goal … even in facing the host nation.

It’s likely a good thing that this young USA squad is facing the hosts earlier rather than later as France should gain steam and confidence as the tournament goes on.

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Over/Under

UNDER 2.5 (+109) at plus-money might be the best play on the board.

Yes, we have some young players on both sides, and they’ll be excited to try and make a name for themselves. But, again, this is before the Olympics really kick into gear with opening ceremonies taking place Friday.

There won’t be a ton of attention on Wednesday’s match, which should get off to a very, very slow start before the offense takes root and starts developing a little chemistry and consistency.

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/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

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

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Costa Rica vs. USA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Costa Rica vs. USA odds and lines, with CONCACAF World Cup qualifying picks and predictions.

Team USA (7 wins, 2 losses, 4 draws) visits the National Stadium of Costa Rica Wednesday to take on Costa Rica (6-3-4) in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:05  p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Costa Rica vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Both teams are in a good position to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

USA enters the match after a 0-0 draw March 24 against Mexico in Mexico City and a 5-1 victory Sunday over Panama behind a hat trick by F Christian Pulisic. It is riding a four-match unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifying. USA has scored 21 and allowed 8 goals in its 13 matches.

Costa Rica plays a slow game with a dominating defense as well. It has  allowed just 8 goals, but scored a mere 11. However, it is riding a 3-game World Cup qualifying winning streak and will be at home.

With a win, Costa Rica will pull into a 3-way tie with the USA and Mexico, one that can only be broken if Mexico loses to El Salvador. With goal difference then mattering, the USA is safe from the 4th spot in CONCACAF,  which goes for a playoff, unless it loses to Costa Rica by 6 goals.

Costa Rica vs. USA: Odds, picks and predictions

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

  • Money line: Costa Rica +260 (bet $100 to win $260) | USA +127 (bet $100 to win $127) | Draw +205 (bet $100 to win $205)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +145 | U: -180)

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Prediction

Costa Rica 1, USMNT 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN to the DRAW (+205).

Costa Rica hasn’t lost in 3 straight games and is playing quality soccer. Its last loss was 1-0 to Canada on Nov. 31.

In its last 4 road matches, the USA has drawn twice and lost twice, not giving bettors much confidence in the road side despite Sunday’s electric win over Panama.

Also, the USA basically has a World Cup spot locked up, so players like Pulisic may not see a third straight game of high-volume minutes. Given the USA’s struggles on the road and Costa Rica’s recent dominance, I’ll take the draw in this battle.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS.

The Under 2.5 is the best play here, but it’s far too juiced at -180 to really consider, especially as both sides are coming off a match in which the Over 2.5 would have hit.

With that in mind, play BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at +110  as my best bet. While Costa Rica doesn’t have a thriving attack, it has scored in its last 3 games and will be at home.

As for the US, it’s bringing an A squad captained by Pulisic and M Gio Reyna, who could lead the team’s midfield. USA has scored in 7 of its last 9 qualifying matches.

I expect both to score in this one.

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If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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USA vs. Panama odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s USA vs. Panama odds and lines, with World Cup qualifying picks and predictions.

In Sunday soccer action, USA (6 wins, 2 losses, 4 draws) welcomes Panama (5-4-3) to Exploria Stadium in Orlando for the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (on FS1). Below, we preview the USA vs. Panama odds and lines, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

The United States drew Mexico 0-0 Thursday despite several chances in the final third. Star F Christian Pulisic started the match and had the best opportunity of the game, failing to convert in front of goal.

The US ended with 9 shots, 4 on target, while Mexico has 11 shots and 2 on target. The US now welcome Panama. A win will seal the USMNT’s Qatar World Cup bid.

Panama beat USA 1-0 in Central America on October 21, 2021. Panama had 8 shots and 4 on target, holding the US to just 5 shots and none on target.

Panama sits fifth on the CONCACAF table with 18 points and desperately needs some points as Costa Rica is fourth with 19 points. Panama drew Honduras 1-1 Thursday.

USA vs. Panama: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 10:32 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Panama +670 (bet $100 to win $670) | Draw +350
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -105 | U: -120)

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Prediction

USA 1, Panama 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

The United States (-230) is the better team, but the money line price is too expensive to bet USA outright. Typically, when I pass on a money line value, I like to look at whether or not both teams will score.

Considering the last game between these two teams had just 4 shots on target, I would bet against an abundance of opportunity. However, the BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE “NO” is priced at -165.

I’d rather play the straight-up Under as the best bet.

That said, D Sergiño Dest, M Gio Reyna and Pulisic all missed that October match. The latter two should see a hefty amount of minutes as the USMNT looks to lock up its spot in the World Cup.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 2.5 (-120).

The United States managed good attempts against Mexico but failed to convert any. In 12 World Cup qualifying matches, USA has scored 16 goals and given up just 7.

Panama has scored 15 and allowed 14 in its 12 matches. The US is 1-6 O/U in its last 7 international matches across all competitions. Panama is 1-4 O/U of 2.5 total in its last 5 matches.

Considering those records and how well the US has defended in the qualifying rounds, I’ll take the Under, especially as both teams are coming off a game Thursday and have another Wednesday.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Mexico vs. USA odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Mexico vs. USA odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

On Thursday, USA (6 wins, 2 losses, 3 draws) visits Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to take on Mexico (6-2-3) in the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Mexico vs. USA odds and lines, and make our best World Cup bets, picks and predictions.

Both teams are in a good position to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

While each has totaled 21 points and sit second (USA has a leg up on goal differential) in CONCACAF behind Canada, they’ve managed those in different ways.

The USA has scored 16 and allowed 7 while Mexico has scored 14 and allowed 8. The result has been a tie the last two times these national teams met in Mexico, with a 1-1 draw in 2017 and 0-0 clean slate in 2013.

The United States beat Mexico 2-0 in their first battle Nov. 12. That game was played at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. USA had 18 shots with 5 on target and 49% possession while Mexico totaled 8 shots, 4 on target and 51% possession.

Mexico vs. USA: Odds, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at noon ET.

  • Money line: Mexico -107 (bet $107 to win $100) | USA +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +145 | U: -180)

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Prediction

Mexico 1, USMNT 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN to the DRAW (+220).

The USMNT is going to be bringing its A team to hopefully seal up its bid for the World Cup. However, while it did bring F Christian Pulisic, key M Weston McKennie will be out with injury.

With a game against Panama on March 27 and then Costa Rica on the 30th, I’m not sold that coach Gregg Berhalter is going to force his best lineup into playing a full 90 minutes.

Mexico, on the other hand, rarely gets the United States at home, so I expect its top team to take the pitch.

However, Mexico has yet to beat either the USA or Canada in World Cup Qualifying, so taking it at -107 could allow for unneeded risk given the reward.

I’d play the DRAW (+220) given both the last results in Mexico have that way.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN to the UNDER 2.5 (-180).

There isn’t a best bet in this game, and it’s solely because of the value on this total.

Mexico’s last two WC qualifying games, and four of its last six games, have gone under 2.5 goals.

It’s not like the United States has had goal-heavy games either as five of its last six have also gone under 2.5 goals.

As for the rivalry, its last four Gold Cup or WC Qualifying matches have gone under 2.5 goals and the last two times the USA has traveled to Mexico the results have been both a draw and under 2.5 goals.

I’ll take the UNDER 2.5 (-180) given that the absence of McKennie could limit USMNT’s ability to transition, although it’s just for a lean given the price you have to pay for it.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

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

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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