USA (1 win, 0 losses, 0 draws) battles Netherlands (1-0-0) in the 2nd match for each Group E nation. Kickoff from Wellington Regional Stadium is set for 9 p.m. ET Wednesday (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the USA vs. Netherlands odds, and make our best Women’s World Cup bets, picks and predictions.
The USWNT, the favorite to win the World Cup, won its 1st match against Vietnam 3-0 with 28 shots and 7 on target. Vietnam didn’t have a single shot. However, USA didn’t cover the 5.5-goal spread and wasn’t able to dominate as expected. USA is No. 1 in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
No. 9 Netherlands should pose a far greater challenge. It beat Portugal 1-0 Sunday via a 13th-minute goal from D Stefanie van der Gragt. Netherlands had 12 shot and 5 on target; Portugal had 2 shots and 1 on target. The Dutch are led by 30-year-old F Lieke Martens, who had 145 caps and 59 goals as of July 2.
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USA vs. Netherlands odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:04 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: USA -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Netherlands +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +250
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -165)
USA vs. Netherlands picks and predictions
Prediction
USA 3, Netherlands 0
Moneyline (ML)
BET USA (-140).
While USA didn’t show it often in its opener, the skill is still there, and the defense held Vietnam to zero shots on target, which is impressive regardless of the opponent. The USA had many players making their World Cup debut as well, so nerves were likely high.
It also dominated possession, which the Netherlands didn’t do in its 1st game. Portugal has 44% of the game’s possession. Germany is the only top-5 team the Netherlands have played this year, and it lost 1-0 on April 7 at home.
Considering those struggles against top-tier sides and the USA’s dominance, take USA (-140) despite the juice.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN OVER 2.5 (+120).
The Netherlands has a competent attack. It played 5 friendlies prior to the World Cup, and it scored at least 4 goals in 3 of them. It went north of this total in 4 of its 6 games this year. It did manage 12 shots against Portugal and may be able to test a young USA defense.
The USA has several big-name forwards like F Alex Morgan and F Sophia Smith. While it didn’t break through as often as expected against Vietnam, it did have 28 shots and should be able to convert more often if given those opportunities again.
Put both elite attacks together and back OVER 2.5 (+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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