Jurgen Klinsmann really hopes that the future of American soccer is headed to New Zealand this week with sights set on winning the U-20 World Cup. The United States will take the pitch on the first day of competition in the host nation's Group A, though it will dodge New Zealand on the first match day and take on Myanmar instead.
HOW THEY GOT HERE
The United States is clearly the favorite here in Group A in the U-20 World Cup, and that isn't just due to the fact that it is the most recognizable up and coming soccer nation in the world. Group A is littered with minnows, and those in the know understand that this is a group which even tiny Myanmar could ultimately win.
The US has been in fine form of late. The team has played three matches since the end of April when it really started its international tour preparing for the World Cup, and the results have been mostly good. A 2-2 draw against Qatar in Austria wasn't the best result ever, but beating Croatia 1-0 and taking out Australia 2-1 in preparation for this first fixture against Myanmar were positive results for sure.
The Americans managed to reach the World Cup by winning a playoff with El Salvador out of CONCACAF, though it should be noted that Panama was able to beat the US in qualification for this tournament.
Myanmar is playing in its very first U-20 World Cup. The team finished with a 2-0-2 record in the AFF U-19 Youth Championship played in Vietnam, and that was good enough to qualify for the U-20 World Cup.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We've been discussing with the staff trying to figure out who was going to be a good leader for us on the field and off the field. We're very fortunate with this group that we definitely have three or four guys who could have taken that role, but we felt that Emerson was the right person to lead the way for the group." – United States U-20 manager Tab Ramos on the naming of his captain, Emerson Hyndman for the World Cup
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Joel Sonora and Maki Tall are both in fine form at the moment for the young United States team, as both scored goals against the Aussies in the match leading into this one.
The one thing that we know about this US side is that it is going to attack and attack with flying colors. Hyndman should be leading the charge for Ramos' side in this match as well, and with five midfielders coming up to attack alongside Tommy Thompson at the front, there could be plenty of opportunities.
Myanmar is obviously a much thinner team than the United States is, and this is going to prove to be problematic. Aung Thu is going to be leading the attack up front, but we have the feeling that there is going to be much more pressure on Naing Lin Tun at the back than Myanmar would hope for.
In the end, the United States will be the deserving heavy favorite, and we think it will get its tournament off to a smashing start with a multi-goal victory over Myanmar.
United States 3, Myanmar 0
BookMaker has live U-20 World Cup odds for every clash of the tournament. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the United States and Myanmar will take place on Saturday, May 30, 2015, at 12:00 a.m. at the Northland Events Center in Whangarei, New Zealand. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
