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In contrasting ways, the performances of the United States and Australia were among the most impressive of the opening round of fixtures.
There was a big burden of expectation on the USA in front of around 70,000 home fans, expecting a win against Paraguay. And the Stars and Stripes did not disappoint with a performance that perhaps exceeded even their own expectations.
Romping into a 3-0 lead at half-time, the Americans continued to press in the second half and were unfortunate not to extend their win beyond the 4-1 final score – racking up a whopping 53 touches in the Paraguay penalty area.
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Australia were given little chance by the bookmakers against Turkey, but produced a counter-attacking masterclass.
The Socceroos went on to win 2-0, despite having just 28% possession of the ball. But, as we know, the only number that really counts in football is the final scoreline…
USA v Australia Tips
USA to Get Most Corners & Shots on Target @ 3/4 (bet365)
Tim Ream 81+ Passes @ 5/6 (bet365)
Australia Goalkeeper 4+ Saves @ 5/4 (bet365)
Odds courtesy of bet365. Correct at the time of publication and subject to change.
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The Joy of Possession
We can assume that this game will follow a similar path to the respective sides’ openers.
USA had 65% possession against Paraguay, with Australia just 28% against Turkey. Of course, possession doesn’t win football matches, but it can inform the general flow of play.
If the Americans don’t score early, they will surely dominate the shot and corner counts. Turkey fired in a staggering 30 shots against the Aussies last time out, while winning the corners contest 8-5.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side play on the front foot and their attacking interchanges and relational style was a joy to behold against Paraguay – so expect them to continue where they left off here.
If you head to the bet builder tab for this game at bet365, tap the ‘To Get Most’ dropdown to add both shots on target and corners in favour of the United States.
Tip: USA to Get Most Corners & Shots on Target @ 3/4 (bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if the USA win the most corners and have the most shots on target.
It's Tim Time
Australia will sit deep in a low block, with just one central striker to close down America’s back three when in possession.
In these scenarios, often it’s the wider players of the back three that enjoy the most touches of the ball. Tim Ream attempted 90 passes against Paraguay and successfully connected with 86 of them.
His line is set at 81 or more passes against Australia, which – if the game state is as expected – would represent good value.
Tip: Tim Ream 81+ Passes @ 5/6 (bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if Tim Ream plays 81 or more passes, as per the official match stats.
On the Beach
Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves against Turkey in a Man of the Match-winning performance.
The Paraguay keeper, Orlando Gill, made three saves against the USA, so quotes here of 5/4 on the Australia goalkeeper to make four or more saves seems juicy enough. We expect it to be Beach again, but bet365’s market covers whoever starts between the sticks.
Remember, we expect the Americans to dominate possession, camp out in Australia’s third of the pitch and shoot from all angles.
Even if the USA score early and the game state changes, they could be very dangerous on the break given the pace and movement in their team.
Tip: Australia Goalkeeper 4+ Saves @ 5/4 (bet365)
Explanation: Our bet lands if the Australia goalkeeper makes four or more saves.
USA v Australia: Match result odds
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