The United States men's soccer team was drawn into the Group of Death in 2014 in the World Cup. Now, the United States women have drawn a similar fate.
That said, unlike in Brazil where the Americans were never expected to actually clear the hurdle of the group stage, the women are still heavy favorites to get out of this group and ultimately win the whole tournament.
The first task is to take out a stingy Australia side in the opener in Winnipeg.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Not surprisingly, the United States is a heavy favorite in this match to kick off the tournament. However, when you consider the fact that Norway is favored by 6.5 goals over Thailand and Germany is favored by 5.5 goals over the Ivory Coast, the fact that the US is only laying two goals might be a bit closer than you would expect.
Still, this is the easiest game coming in Group A alongside Nigeria and Sweden, and not getting maximum points in this one could end up being a recipe for an early shocking out. The Americans know this isn't a match to screw around in.
The total is high because the Asian handicap is so lofty at 3.5 (under -140).
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We need to be a team that has no fear. We need to go out there and fly at other teams – that's a team that I think is unbeatable. If we don't, that's a team that I don't know if it gets out of our group." – United States captain Abby Wambach issuing a stern warning to the team about play in Group D
RECENT FORM
The US has had a good go of it of late. Yes, a scoreless draw against South Korea was a bit of a drab result, but prior to that, the Stars and Stripes had crushed Mexico 5-1, Ireland 3-0, New Zealand 4-0 and France 2-0. Remember that the United States is 27-5-4 all-time in this tournament dating back to the initial tournament in 1991, and rare is the match that isn't won in the group stage.
The Aussie ladies haven't played against the top competition in the world by any stretch of the imagination of late. Their tune-up matches came against Vietnam twice and China, and the end results were 4-0 and 11-0 wins over Vietnam and a 1-1 draw against the Chinese. If the Matildas aren't able to beat a team like China, there's no way that they are going to manhandle the United States.
Do keep in mind though, that the match against China was behind closed doors and was completely experimental from a preparation standpoint. Unlike the United States, which is done with preparation matches for the World Cup, Australia will take on Switzerland on June before heading to Winnipeg.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Australia coach Alen Stajcic is confident in what he sees right now out of his side, and perhaps he should be. The Aussies are historically a forward-thinking team, and Kyah Simon, who scored twice for her country in the last World Cup, could really be a factor in this one if she gets loose up front.
The United States won't lose this match, but this is a spread which is asking for some troubles as we see it from the American perspective. We do think that Australia is going to find its way onto the board in this match, and if that turns out to be the case, just escaping with three points is all that truly matters to Wambach and her talented crew.
United States 2, Australia 1
BookMaker has live Women's World Cup odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on the United States of -800 and a total of 3.5 (under -140) 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 the United States and Australia will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday, June 8, 2015 at Winnipeg Stadium in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
