Brazil is the heavy favorite to win Group E this year in the Women's World Cup. Though in theory, the Brazilians shouldn’t have any troubles in their first match, South Korea is a tactical side the likes of which could stick around in a game like this one.
ODDS ANALYSIS
A lot of public betting action is going to be on the Brazilians in this duel, and for good reason. Marta is the best player in the world, and history will tell you that this is one of the best women's sides on the planet year in and year out.
However, you should have pause for concern here just by looking at the spread. The line of Brazil -1 on the Asian handicap alongside a moneyline price of -215 is basically the same margin which Canada was favored by against China. Had the Chinese, who are very similar to South Korea, not conceded a late penalty kick in that first match of the tournament, they would have drawn with the hosts.
The total is somewhat high based upon the Asian handicap at 2.5 (over -135).
QUOTE TO NOTE
"A hundred years will have to go by before we have another Marta. That's how it has been with Pele. Since his day, we have had superb players, but not on the level of what Pele meant for football. Marta can do that for us." – Former Brazilian national coach, Kleiton Lima on Marta, the captain for Brazil here in the World Cup
RECENT FORM
Brazil has had real problems against the top teams in the world of late. Germany has gotten the best of this team twice in a row, winning 4-0 in a friendly in Furth and 3-1 in Portugal in the Algarve Cup. However, aside from that, there isn't a loss on Brazil's docket in quite some time. The Brazilians are 5-2-2 in their last nine matches overall, including beating the United States in December.
South Korea made a real point heading into battle here in Canada. The Taegeuk Ladies put together a scoreless draw against the United States on American soil in a very rare match against top flight competition. It should be noted though, that the South Koreans haven't played much in the way of competition in terms of prep for this tournament, so this might be a very tough fixture.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This Brazilian soccer team may as well be the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs are just one man, as they have LeBron James and a bunch of stiffs. Brazil has Marta and a bunch of players who probably wouldn't be capable of playing on any of the best teams in the world.
But then again, if LeBron and the gang can get through the Eastern Conference relatively unscathed, Brazil should be able to get through Group E the same way against a bunch of teams who have never done anything nationally.
This isn't going to be easy, though. Ji So-yun and Park Eun-sun are both capable attackers for South Korea, and they can take advantage of mistakes made at the back by any team in this tournament.
As we saw against the Americans, South Korea can be stout in the midfield and play a bit of keep-away from Marta. We have seen Marta get frustrated on the international scene before when she can't make an impact on the game, but this time around, she doesn't have the cast of characters around her to succeed.
Brazil will win this match, but this will be touch and go every step of the way.
Brazil 1, South Korea 0
BookMaker has live women's World Cup odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on Brazil of -215 and a total of 2.5 (over -135) right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Brazil and South Korea will take place at 7:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
