Will the Americans cash for bettors in Saturday’s USA vs. Japan women’s Olympics soccer match at 9:00 a.m. ET? Or will Japan come through as a significant underdog?
USA vs. Japan Women’s Soccer Odds
According to Fanduel Sportsbook, USA is -310 on the moneyline to win Saturday morning’s match versus Japan, which is +240 on the moneyline. The 3-way moneyline for today’s match is USA -150, Japan +380 and Draw +290. That specific wager is graded after 90-minutes and stoppage time only.
As for the total for today’s matchup, the over/under 2.5 goals is juiced to the over (-162) and the o/u 3.5 goals is juiced for (-220).
Team USA
Strengths:
- Depth and Talent: The USA boasts a deep roster filled with world-class talent at every position.
- Experience: Many players have extensive international experience, including World Cup and Olympic tournaments.
- Physicality and Fitness: The team is known for their physicality, fitness, and relentless style of play.
Key Players to Watch:
- Alex Morgan: A prolific striker with a knack for scoring important goals.
- Megan Rapinoe: A creative winger known for her playmaking and leadership.
- Rose Lavelle: A dynamic midfielder with excellent vision and technical skills.
Style of Play: The USA plays an aggressive, attacking style of soccer, emphasizing high pressure, quick transitions, and a strong aerial game. They often dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities through their wide play and set pieces.
Team Japan
Strengths:
- Technical Skill: Japanese players are known for their technical proficiency, including precise passing and ball control.
- Team Cohesion: Japan often plays with excellent team chemistry and coordination, reflecting their disciplined approach.
- Speed and Agility: The team utilizes speed and agility to create chances, particularly through quick, short passes and movement off the ball.
Key Players to Watch:
- Mana Iwabuchi: A skilled forward with the ability to create and finish chances.
- Saki Kumagai: A veteran defender and team captain known for her leadership and defensive acumen.
- Yui Hasegawa: A creative midfielder who can orchestrate the offense and contribute defensively.
Style of Play: Japan plays a possession-based game, focusing on quick, short passes, and fluid movement. They are disciplined in defense and often rely on their technical skills and speed to break down opposing defenses.
USA vs. Japan Matchup Analysis
Offense vs. Defense:
- USA Offense vs. Japan Defense: The USA’s powerful and direct attacking style will test Japan’s disciplined defense. The physicality and aerial ability of the USA can be a significant advantage, particularly on set pieces and crosses.
- Japan Offense vs. USA Defense: Japan’s technical and quick passing game will challenge the USA’s defense. The USA will need to stay organized and prevent Japan from finding space behind their back line.
Key Factors:
- Possession: While Japan may look to dominate possession with their passing game, the USA’s high-pressure tactics could disrupt their rhythm and create turnovers.
- Set Pieces: The USA’s proficiency on set pieces could be a decisive factor, with their height and physicality posing a significant threat.
- Finishing: Both teams need to be clinical in front of goal. The USA often creates more chances, but Japan’s efficient finishing could keep the game close.
USA vs. Japan Prediction
The USA, with their depth, experience, and attacking prowess, enter the match as favorites. Their aggressive style of play and physical advantages, especially in set-piece situations, can be decisive factors. However, Japan’s technical skills, disciplined approach, and team cohesion make them formidable opponents capable of pulling off an upset.
If the USA can impose their game, maintain high pressure, and capitalize on their scoring opportunities, they are likely to prevail. Conversely, Japan will need to control possession, execute their quick passing game, and be efficient with their chances to succeed.
Overall, while Japan has the capability to challenge the USA, the American team’s depth and experience give them a slight edge in this intriguing Olympic encounter. I’m actually going to take a Draw +290 after the first 90 minutes.
USA vs. Japan Prediction: Draw +290 (3-way)