Portugal vs USA
You don’t become back-to-back world champions without being a top, top side.
Yet reading one or two reports this week, you would think the USA have lost their mojo.
To quote the old phrase: ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent’ and the world champions will be out to prove that against the Portuguese to seal their place in the knockout stages of the Women’s World Cup.
The US only need a point, Portugal need all three and with goal difference likely to decide the group, meaning the Americans will want to score as many as they can. there’s plenty to play for at Eden Park.
Talking Points
Now it is fair to say the US are yet to fire on all cylinders at this World Cup.
Vlatko Andonovski’s side were guilty of wasting a hatful of chances in their 3-0 win over debutants Vietnam, while against the Dutch they once again created enough opportunities to have taken maximum points but had to settle for a 1-1 draw in a repeat of the 2019 final.
However, many of the same questions were asked eight years ago, and the USA prevailed after some drastic tactical changes were made in the quarter-finals.
And what of Portugal, narrowly beaten by Holland in their opener before seeing off Vietnam in their must-win game with two early goals.
The highest-ranked of the eight World Cup debutants at 21st on the FIFA list, Portugal have experience at the back and exciting young talent up front and earned their maiden victory via their first World Cup goals, scored by Telma Encarnacao and Kika Nazareth.
They have youth, skill and speed in their ranks but it would be a mighty shock if they can knock out the world champions who may hand a starting berth to one of their stars, Rose Lavelle, who has made an impression from the bench in both games so far.
She has been purposely restricted as she recovers from a knee injury sustained in early April.
If this was a game in men’s international football, Portugal would be firm favourites. In this instance, it’s quite the opposite.
History
These teams have met on four previous occasions – all over the past five years – and the US have won the lot while Portugal have yet to score.
In 2018 Jessica McDonald netted the only goal.
In 2019, two friendlies in quick succession went the way of the Statesiders.
Tobin Heath, Morgan Brian, Carli Lloyd and Alexandra Long found the net in a 4-0 romp before Lloyd scored twice (one penalty) and was joined on the scoresheet by Lindsey Horan in a 3-0 win a few days later.
Two years ago it was much closer but the outcome was the same as the US edged home through a 76th minute Samantha Mewis goal.
Betting Tip
It’s the US all the way with an array of bets with the SBOTOP Women’s World Cup betting odds which include First Half 1X2 @ 1.81, 1X2 @ 1.25, First Half Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 1.82 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 1.91.
For Portugal, the options include First Half 1X2 @ 6.20, 1X2 @ 7.40, First Half Asian Handicap +0.50 @ 1.98 and Asian Handicap +1.25 @ 2.11.
A re-run of their last meeting is available with Correct Score 0-1 @ 4.30 but I do think there’ll be more goals than that as both sides require them!
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
