Fans of the United States Women's Team will never forget the side's first World Cup ever, a penalty kick shootout win over China in 1999 that brought women's soccer into the US in a big way.
Both teams have fallen since that time though with the US no longer the invincible giant they once were and China only getting four points out of the Group Stage in order to meet in the Quarterfinals.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The United States are a heavy favorite at -235 to win this match in regular time, showing the depth of the US side although they will be missing two starters in this match.
China is +1 ( +115 ) on the Asian Handicap line and is definitely worth a play if you believe the match will be low scoring.
The strongest bet may be on the total goals ( 2.5 under -143 ) since six of the two teams combined eight games have had two goals or less, and five of these games had one goal or less.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We knew we would have a challenging game because Colombia are a very good opponent. I thought we controlled most of the ball and I had faith that at some point we would breakthough and we are happy to advance. I thought we stroked the ball around pretty well at times. Many of the goals in World Cup football come from set-plays and that is the way it is. I know that the players that come in [for suspended players] will be confident of stepping in and doing well. I have upmost confidence in the players we have." - Jill Ellis, USA coach after the team's win over Colombia in the Round of 16
RECENT FORM
China have not looked dominant at any point in the tournament with an injury time goal giving the Chinese their only win in the Group Stage, a 1-0 victory over Netherlands. In their match against Cameroon, the Chinese failed to put the game away despite a multitude of chances after going up 1-0 on Cameroon and almost lost the lead at numerous points along the way. If the Steel Roses have any chance to beat the Americans, they have to capitalize on their opportunities.
It feels like the United States is struggling to find their next gear at this point in the tournament. The US hasn't seemed like they were going to lose at any point in their previous four matches, but the team was expected to be more powerful than what we've seen thus far. Despite being a heavy favorite against Colombia, the US didn't look certain to advance until the Colombian goalie picked up a red card for a poor challenge on Alex Morgan. Even then Abby Wambach missed the subsequent penalty kick and the US didn't put the game away until another penalty kick was awarded later in the second half.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Americans have not been in their best form, that's for certain. They have relied too much on Abby Wambach after the injury to Alex Morgan and haven't been able to create offense like they were expected to. Also, the US will be without Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday in this match due to yellow card accumulation.
Is China the team to send the US crashing out of the tournament? Probably not. The Chinese don't have the veterans needed in order to win it all with the oldest player on their roster being just 26 years old. This team could be a force in the future, but not this tournament.
The winner of this match will face the winner of France-Germany.
United States 2, China 0
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 -235 and a total of 2.5 ( under -143 ) 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 China will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 26, 2015 at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The game will be broadcast live on FOX.
