PREVIEW – The United States Women’s National Team won their opening match of the World Cup 3-0 against Vietnam. At 9 p.m. ET on July 26 they will play their second group stage game. It will be a rematch of the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final against the Netherlands. The Dutch won their opener against debutants Portugal 1-0. The winner will virtually clinch qualification to the knockout stage. This could be one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage.
USWNT Netherlands Predictions and Best Odds for July 26
United States Talking Points
The Yanks had a training exercise in the opening match. They outshot Vietnam 28-0 and were solid on the ball. Sophia Smith scored a brace and set up co-captain Lindsey Horan for the third. Alex Morgan did miss a penalty but assisted Smith once. The defense was not really challenged but will be in this match. Hopefully Naomi Girma got whatever World Cup jitters she may have had out in the first match. Trinity Rodman did not get on the scoresheet in the game. Rose Lavelle, who was fantastic in 2019, was a substitute in this match. USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski could rotate the squad to go for this game and rotate again for Portugal to have fresh legs for the Round of 16.
.@Sophsssmith breaks through early and we’re on the board!!!!!
» @FOXSoccer pic.twitter.com/BXhPMBISay
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 22, 2023
Oranje Talking Points
This is not the Netherlands side that made the final four years ago. Only nine players from that squad have made it Down Under. Attacking midfielder Vivianne Miedema is unavailable due to an injury. Most of their veteran experience is up front. The midfield is still strong with leadership from captain Sherida Spitse. Center back Stefanie van der Gragt is the only member of the back four that lost to the Americans 2-0 to be on the team this time around. Van der Gragt scored the only goal in their win over Portugal. They were the better side in that match. It was a game they needed to win to have any chance of finishing first in the group.
This match will be a good barometer for both teams. If the Netherlands hold their own, it could signal they’re a dark horse. Or a warning sign that the USA have taken a step back from the last two World Cups. A convincing performance from the USWNT could indicate the Dutch won’t be repeating as finalists.
IT STANDS!
Stefanie van der Gragt finds the back of the net and scores the first goal for Netherlands at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
pic.twitter.com/ubOFS2vmjN
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 23, 2023
READ MORE: CanWNT Rapid-Rising Striker: Jordyn Huitema
USWNT Netherlands Prediction
Have to see the U.S. winning this one. It’ll be a competitive first half but the USWNT win it 2-1. The Netherlands defense won’t be able to hold out but it will be a back and forth exciting match. Smith and Morgan score for the United States. Lieke Martens scores for the Dutch.
Current Best Odds
DraftKings has the United States at -145, a draw at +260, and a Netherlands win at +450. The USWNT are heaving favorites and believe a draw is much more likely than a Dutch win.
Photo Credit: John Babiak
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