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As we head into Matchday Three, only a handful of teams have been eliminated. Could we actually see the Philippines advance to the Round of 16? And who will take the very crowded Groups B and E? There is still plenty left to be decided in the Group stage, and with surprising results becoming the norm, it really feels like anything can happen.
Here are the best bets for Women’s World Cup Matchday Three.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Odds, Picks & Predictions (Matchday 3)
USA vs. Portugal
USA -1.5 (-125)
This might be the best price you will get for USA -1.5 all tournament long. The key with this line is that the USA is at least two goals better than Portugal, which is why it’s a little surprising to see the price just -125.
The last time these two teams met was in 2021 for a friendly. If you look at the final score of that game, you may be inclined to think that Portugal can play with the US. However, everything other than the score was lopsided. The US had 15 corner kicks to just one for Portugal, and they outshot the Portuguese 26-4.
That game was a long time ago, but the Americans are still one of the favorites to win the World Cup, and the Portuguese are one of the weaker European sides. With the Netherlands playing Vietnam, it’s going to come down to goal differential to determine who wins this Group. The US won’t be able to take their foot off the pedal in this one, and they have the talent to blow this game open.
Nigeria vs. Republic of Ireland
Nigeria to Win (+120)
After a 0-0 draw against Canada, the Nigerians won a thriller over the Australians by a score of 3-2. They will now turn their attention to the weakest team in Group B, the Republic of Ireland.
A draw will be enough to get Nigeria through to the Round of 16, but there is no reason to think that they won’t hand the Republic of Ireland their third consecutive loss at this World Cup. Nigeria can be explosive offensively, and the Irish have shown very little ability to create chances at this World Cup.
The Nigerians feel like they should be bigger favorites, but perhaps, with the circumstances surrounding their criteria for advancement, oddsmakers aren’t quite so confident. However, considering the price being asked for a team that is the better side to win outright, you have to take this bet.
Spain vs. Japan
Spain to Win (-130)
The Spanish and Japanese have rolled through Costa Rica and Zambia to clinch berths in the Round of 16. Now they will turn their attention to each other as each team tries to come away victorious in Group C.
This is a bit of a risky play considering the Spanish do have the current tiebreaker thanks to goal differential. That means that if the two teams were to tie, Spain would win the Group, and Japan would finish second and likely have to take on England in the Round of 16.
However, it is hard to see Spain playing for a tie in this one. They have possessed the ball for at least 75 percent of each game thus far, and they have outshot their opponents 68-13. Japan has been very good as well, allowing just six shots through two games. But while this is a step up in competition for both teams, it is a much bigger step for Japan.
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Phil Wood is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Phil, check out his archive and follow him @Phil_Wood_Jr.
