When the World Cup draw came out last year, the most intriguing match on the docket is this second fixture in Group B.
Pia Sundhage helped create this United States team over the course of the last several seasons. However, she is going to be the enemy to the USWNT for the first time in a competitive match now that she has taken over control of her homeland team of Sweden.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The United States found itself favored by two goals against Australia in the opening match, but this one is going to end up being a heck of a lot closer than that.
We suspect that the Americans will be favored by around a goal on the Asian handicap against a Sweden team which is very much so capable of winning this game.
Sweden though, struggled so much with Nigeria, especially at the back, that it would be tough to envision anything less than a total of 3.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We're not happy that we gave up three goals. However, at the end of the day, we got one point, and there's good things to bring to the next game. The game plan was different than what you saw. Again, we got one point, and next time, when we play the States, I hope we will follow the game plan." – Sweden manager Pia Sundhage following her team's 3-3 draw against Nigeria in its opening match of the World Cup
RECENT FORM
That match against the African champs was a big shock to Sweden. The Nigerians were able to fight back from behind on two different occasions to pick up what could be a very valuable point in the toughest group in the World Cup. Meanwhile, the Swedish ladies, who were expected to easily get through this group, could find themselves in a lot of trouble if they lose this match, as they will very likely need to get a win in one of these last two matches to have any hope of advancing into the Round of 16.
The United States didn't play its best match against Australia on Monday night, but three points are three points at this level in a group like this. The Stars and Stripes will be hoping for better, but it was good to see their offense really come alive in the second half of that match after some lackluster offensive efforts in the send-off matches against mediocre competition.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
We really have an issue right now with Sweden. This was one of the favored sides in this tournament, but clearly, Kosovare Asllani and Lisa Dahlkvist were amongst the women on the pitch who just weren't able to contend with the speed which Nigeria brought to the table.
If the Swedish ladies had troubles with Nigeria, we can only imagine what will happen with the United States.
Alex Morgan now has a few minutes under her belt, and she might end up starting in her first World Cup match in her career in this one, and if that turns out to be the case, we can only forecast good things for the American offense. Abby Wambach is due to really get into gear, and with Megan Rapinoe brimming with confidence off of a brace against the Aussies, the United States should end up clinching up a spot in the Round of 16 at the expense of its former boss.
United States 3, Sweden 1
BookMaker has live women's World Cup odds for every clash of the season. 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 the United States and Sweden will take place at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday, June 12, 2015 at Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Alberta, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX.
