The Matildas have it all to play for in their final group game at the 2024 Paris Olympics where they’ll take on the #1 ranked USA. This final Group B fixture is set for a kick-off time of 3am (AEST) on Thursday morning and as always, we have you covered with a preview and best bet for the match!
2024 Paris Olympic Games – Women’s Soccer
Matildas vs USA (Thursday 3am AEST)
Despite going into their matchup with Zambia as the overwhelming favourites, it looked as though the Matildas were on their way to a comfortable defeat and subsequent elimination from the Paris Olympics when they trailed 5-2 early in the second half on Monday morning. However, the ‘never say die’ Matildas dug deep to find four consecutive goals and pull off one of the greatest comeback victories you’ll see, eventually prevailing 6-5.
Still, the Matildas have plenty of work to do if they’re to progress to the knockout phase in Paris. They currently sit in third spot in Group B and with only the best two third-placed teams from the group phase making it to the next round, the Matildas with most likely need at least a point on Thursday morning to avoid elimination.
In contrast, the #1 ranked team in the world, USA, have already booked their place to the knockout phase thanks to easy wins in their opening two fixtures. They began their campaign in Paris with a dominant 3-0 win against Zambia and backed it up with another three-goal win in their second outing when they took down a classy Germany outfit 4-1.
USA’s most recent win against the Germans was the most impressive of the pair considering the latter is ranked #4 in the world and had dominated the Matildas in a 3-0 win just a few days prior. This just goes to show the immense class of the Americans who have had tremendous success at the Olympics, winning four golds from a possible seven tournaments.
Match Prediction: After falling short of their gold medal aspirations in the past two Olympics, USA look to be in a dangerous mood in Paris and present as a massive challenge for the Matildas whose campaign is hanging by a thread.
Unsurprisingly, USA are priced as the overwhelming favourites to win on Thursday while you can get around 7-1 odds for the Matildas to cause the upset. It’s hard to make a case to back the Matildas on current form, but there does look to be some value in the Both Teams to Score market, which is priced at around even money. Coming off six goals against Zambia last outing, the Matildas clearly have the firepower to hit the scoreboard, it’s just defending the other way which has been a nightmare to date.
Both Teams to Score
$1.80 (1.5 Units)
