The USA narrowly edged England in the semi-final to set up a tantalizing final clash with the Netherlands, who beat Sweden in extra time. Will the USA defend their crown or do the Dutch have something up their sleeve? Here’s the Big Game Focus with some betting tips. Bet on the game here.
The USA haven’t really dazzled in the knockout stages but they demonstrated they are a tough team to beat in tournament football. Against France and England in the quarters and semis, they showed the result matters more than the playing ultra-expansive football. Jill Ellis’ women fancy themselves to defend the title they won four years ago. All in all this team possess the tenacity and experience to get over the line in pressure situations.
The Netherlands came through some close contests when finishing top of Group E with wins over New Zealand, Cameroon and Canada. However, they needed a penalty at the death to edge out Japan 2-1, but were more convincing in a 2-0 victory over Italy in the quarter-final. The Dutch then narrowly beat Sweden in extra time in a tense semi-final clash.
Betting preview.
The US have beaten the Dutch in their last two meetings. They have also won 12 matches in a row. Besides, they have championship pedigree in that they have won the tournament three times and finished in the top three in all the editions since it was inaugurated in 1991. Therefore, you can back a USA Win at odds of 1.40.
USA’s last three matches in this tournament has seen three or more goals scored. The last two matches between these two have seen Over 2.5 Goals scored. This was also been the winning bet in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup final. Therefore, you can back Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 1.75.
Holders USA haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last three matches in this year’s tournament. Both teams have also scored in their last five matches. Furthermore, both teams have found the back of the net in their last two meetings with the Dutch. Therefore, odds of 2.00 for Both Teams to Score are attractive.
Teams news
Megan Rapinoe is expected to return to the USA starting eleven.
Having gone off injured last time out, Lieke Martens could be out for Holland. Shanice van de Sanden could, therefore, come back in.
Possible line-ups
USA: Naeher, O’Hara, Dahlkemper, Sauerbrunn, Dunn, Lavelle, Ertz, Mewis, Heath, Morgan, Rapinoe
Netherlands: Van Veenendaal, Van Lunteren, Van der Gragt, Janssen, Van Dongen, Groenen, Spitse, Van de Donk, Van de Sande, Miedema, Martens