Group C favorites Australia are in trouble. The Matildas knew that they would face a challenge from both Brazil and Italy, but they were still expected to win the group and were odds-on favorites to do so at the outset of the tournament. However, those hopes have taken a serious blow after Australia’s 2-1 loss to Italy in their opener on Sunday. Australia needs a win to avoid a potential group stage exit, but Brazil are looking to seize control of this group.
Don't miss this Women’s World Cup match from the Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, France at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 13, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Australia +114
Brazil +215
Draw +262
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Even without Marta, Brazil were expected to pound World Cup debutantes Jamaica, and they did just that on Sunday. Cristiane started up top in place of Marta, and the second-leading goal scorer for the Selecao came through in a big way. She notched a hat trick in a 3-0 win for Brazil that put them atop the Group C standings. It was a sigh of relief for the Brazilians, as they had lost nine straight matches before the start of the competition. However, Jamaica had some of the longest odds coming into the tournament, and both Australia and Italy will provide more of a test.
Australia seemed likely to open with a victory after Samantha Kerr notched her first World Cup goal 22 minutes into the Matildas’ match with Italy. However, a tactical switch at halftime flummoxed the Australians in the second half. Italy moved to a 4-4-2 and immediately got better chances as a result. They tied the match with a Barbara Bonansea goal shortly after halftime and had a potential go-ahead goal reversed by VAR. Things looked set to end in a draw before Bonansea struck again five minutes into extra time to stun the Aussies.
These two sides met at the Tournament of Nations in the United States last year, and the Matildas walked away with a 3-1 victory. In that match, Brazil had twice as many chances and shots on goal, but the Aussies made their strikes count.
Brazil Player to Watch
Marta was unable to play in Brazil’s opener due to a thigh injury, but Cristiane performed well in her absence. The key for the Selecao though was the play of Andressa. She has played as a forward for much of her career, but she has shifted to the midfield for this tournament and she provided the assist on two of Cristiane’s goals in the opener. The Barcelona product is the most important player on the team besides Marta, and she’ll be key here.
Australia Player to Watch
Kerr is one of the youngest captains at the World Cup, and it has to feel good for her to net her first goal in this competition. She is just 25, but she has already scored 32 goals for the national team and she is one of the reasons this attack can be so dangerous when everything is clicking. Kerr will look to kickstart this offense against Brazil.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a must-win game for Australia. If they fail to get a victory here, they are likely to finish third in the group, and even if they made it to the knockout round from there they would have to play a group winner. I believe the Matildas will get the job done.
2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds: Australia 2, Brazil 1
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