In its previous six appearances in the Olympic Games, the United States women's national soccer team suffered only two regulation losses in 32 matches, with the last coming in 2008. Team USA entered the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with a bad taste in its mouth, as it lost to Sweden on penalty kicks in the quarterfinals of the 2016 Games, but it got even worse with Wednesday's 3-0 setback against the Swedes in the group-stage opener. The USWNT figures to be in full attack mode when it squares off against New Zealand in its second group stage game on Saturday. Team USA has won five consecutive meetings with New Zealand, scoring 19 goals while allowing a mere one.
Kickoff from Saitama Stadium is set for 7:30 a.m. ET. The United States is listed as the -5000 favorite (risk ($5000 to win $100) on the money line in the latest USWNT vs. New Zealand odds at William Hill Sportsbook, while New Zealand is the +5500 underdog. The over-under for total goals scored is 3.5. Before making any New Zealand vs. USWNT picks or 2020 Tokyo Olympics predictions, you need to see what soccer insider Martin Green has to say.
After working in the sports betting industry for several years, Green became a professional sports writer and handicapper, and has covered the game worldwide. Since then, his expert soccer picks have been spot-on. Green has generated nearly $19,000 for $100 bettors since the 2017-18 season. He has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the globe.
Now, Green has taken an in-depth look at USWNT vs. New Zealand and locked in his Olympics 2020 picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the picks. Here are the 2020 Olympics odds and betting trends for New Zealand vs. USWNT:
- United States vs. New Zealand spread: USWNT -3.5
- United States vs. New Zealand over-under: 3.5 goals
- United States vs. New Zealand money line: USWNT -5000, New Zealand +5500, Draw +1000
- USA: The USWNT hasn't been shut out in back-to-back games since March 4-7, 2017
- NZ: The Football Ferns are winless in their last 10 matches (nine losses, one draw)
Why you should back the United States
New Zealand head coach Tom Sermanni may have guided the USWNT from 2013 to 2014, but that 24-game stint likely won't help him lead his current squad to a major upset. Team USA will be firing on all cylinders after being blanked for the first time since July 27, 2017, when it dropped a 1-0 decision to Australia in the Tournament of Nations. Prior to Wednesday's defeat, the USWNT recorded four goals in three of four matches and totaled 17 during a six-game winning streak.
Six different players netted multiple tallies during the run, with Christen Press leading the way with three. The 32-year-old forward was a major contributor entering the 2020 Olympic Games, as she was directly involved in 37 USWNT goals over her last 37 contests. Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan have both scored six times against New Zealand and were among the multiple-goal producers during the winning streak, as was Tobin Heath, who tallied in back-to-back 4-0 wins over Mexico in friendlies earlier this month.
Why you should back New Zealand
The Football Ferns performed better than expected in their 2-1 defeat against Australia in their group-stage opener, as they had played just one match in the previous 16 months - a 3-0 loss to England in a friendly on July 14. Gabi Rennie made a good impression in her international debut, scoring just two minutes after entering Wednesday's contest. The 20-year-old forward, who plays collegiately for Indiana, netted three tallies in seven games for New Zealand's Under-20 team in 2018.
There is plenty of experience on New Zealand's roster, with five players having appeared in 120 or more matches. Midfielder Ria Percival (151) and defenders Abby Erceg (142) and Ali Riley (135) are participating in their fourth Olympic Games, while midfielders Annalie Longo (123) and Betsy Hassett (120) are both in the tournament for the third time. Striker Hannah Wilkinson, who also is playing in her third Olympics, has scored 26 goals in 98 career international contests.
How to make USWNT vs. New Zealand picks
Green has taken a close look at the USWNT vs. New Zealand matchup from all angles and is leaning over on the goal total. He also has revealed his in-depth 2020 Olympic Games analysis and three other strong best bets for this matchup, including one with a plus-money payout. He's only sharing those Olympics picks at SportsLine.
So who wins New Zealand vs. USWNT? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Saturday's United States vs. New Zealand match, all from the soccer expert who has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the world, and find out.
