Australia v USA betting tips: Matildas seek upset and bronze

To make matters worse, Ellie Carpenter was dismissed in added time and she will miss the bronze medal match as a result.

Australia are 11/10 to either win or draw the bronze medal match in the Double Chance market.

A penalty awarded by VAR and scored by Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming, earned Canada a place in the final and a first win against the USA in 20 years in their semi-final in Kashima.

With 16 minutes remaining, Canada substitute Deanne Rose burst in front of Tierna Davidson, nipped the ball away from the stretching defender and went to ground under the slightest pressure.

After consulting VAR, the referee awarded a penalty which Fleming dispatched.

USA have not played to their expected levels all through the tournament and are 8/11 to win the match in 90 minutes and are 1/3 to take the bronze medal.

Australia v USA head-to-head

Australia and USA met in the group stages at the same Kashima Stadium and the game ended in a 0-0 daw. The draw is on offer at 27/10 and it is 10/1 that there will again be a 0-0 draw.

The USA have won two of the last six meetings, with three games ending in a stalemate.

Australia have won one of their last six clashes, a 1-0 success in the Tournament of Nations in July 2017. The Matildas can be backed for another 1-0 win at 12/1 in Australia v USA betting tips.

Australia have scored at least once in five of the last six clashes and both sides have scored in four of the last six meetings. It is 3/4 that both teams score in 90 minutes.

Australia v USA team news

USA goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who saved two penalties in the quarter-final shoot-out against the Netherlands, was injured in the semi-final and Portland Thorns keeper Adrianna Franch, who had only six caps, replaced her. She is likely to start against Australia.

It is hard to believe that the Matildas’ Carpenter is only 21 years old and while she earned her 50th cap, she will miss this game through suspension. That is a big blow to Australia, as she has shown plenty of versatility, playing as a wing-back, full-back, and right-sided central defender.

Expect under-fire USA manager Vlakto Andonovski to make changes, with Megan Rapinoe, who started on the bench against Canada, almost certain to start.

USA are 3/4 to score two or more goals in the game and 8/15 to score the first goal.

Australia v USA key battles

Chelsea’s Kerr, the Women’s Premier League golden boot winner, will be a problem again for the USA, who kept tabs on her well in their first meeting.

Kerr will take every opportunity to test the inexperienced Franch, as will Caitlin Foord, who has also been active for the Matildas in attack.

Arsenal’s Steph Catley will also need to shoulder a bigger load with Carpenter absent, as the USA now have a distinct advantage down the left side.

Much depends on how USA approach this game. They are coming into this off a massive disappointment and mentally, they will need to dig deep.

The USA are 12/5 to win but concede for Australia v USA betting tips, and it is 4/5 that there will be three or more goals scored in the game.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication