The United States women’s soccer team came into the 2024 Olympics as the betting favorite to win gold, and its first two games in the tournament have reinforced that status. Despite having clinched a berth in the quarterfinals, the USA is a heavy favorite over Australia as group play wraps up Wednesday, according to odds at sportsbooks.

Winning 3-0 in its opening game against Zambia was a solid performance for the Stars & Stripes, but there was some concern after they took their foot off the gas in the second half. A dominant 4-1 win over Germany, however, alleviated any concerns.

Australia’s Olympic performance has been underwhelming. The Matildas lost to Germany 3-0, and barely escaped with a 6-5 victory as a big favorite over Zambia in a match with little defense. If Australia wants to advance out of group play, the team needs to tighten up its defense against a high-powered American offense, after allowing eight goals in its first two games.

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USA vs. Australia odds at BetRivers Sportsbook: Moneyline and total for women’s soccer at 2024 Summer Olympics

Here are odds from BetRivers Sportsbook for the USA vs. Australia women’s soccer match, set for Wednesday, July 31 in Paris.

The United States has already punched its ticket to the knockout stages. With eight of the 12 teams in the tournament earning a spot in the next round, Australia has a decent shot of advancing, too. 

USWST betting news and analysis

It is all good news for the United States, as they have excelled through its first two Olympic matches. The Stars & Stripes have scored early and taken multi-goal leads into halftime in both contests. Simply put, they have dominated their competition and have yet to be tested. They followed a strong opening performance with an even better one against a solid German team.

Sophia Smith (10′, 44′), Mallory Swanson (26′), and substitute Lynn Williams (89′) all scored against Germany. While the USWNT did concede its first goal of the tournament when Germany tied the match in the first half, it took only four minutes before Swanson gave the US the lead again. Swanson has scored in both games and leads the team with three goals.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher was up to the challenge presented by the Germans, saving six of seven shots on goal.

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Australia betting news and analysis

The Aussie offense came alive against Zambia, scoring an impressive six goals, but it came at the cost of leaving their defense shorthanded. After not scoring in their opener, it was good to see the Matildas’ offense get going, as four different players scored. Alanna Kennedy (7′), Hayley Raso (35′), Steph Catley (65′, 78′-Pen), and Michelle Heyman (90′) were the contributors (one of the six was an own goal).

The Aussies fell behind in the first minute and tied it in the seventh. Zambia scored the next two and had leads of 3-1, 3-2, 4-2, and 5-2. Australia went on to score four unanswered goals, including a 90th-minute winner. The defense finally tightened in the last 30 minutes of action, and they dominated possession, fighting their way back to a win. Australia must continue to score, but if their defense plays like it did in the first 60 minutes against Zambia, the USWNT could score five or six goals and leave Australia too far behind for another comeback.

USA vs. Australia prop bets offered at BetMGM Sportsbook for Paris Games

Here are some prop bets at BetMGM for the women’s soccer match between the United States and Australia.

• Both teams to score: Yes (-110) / No (-130)
• First goal: USA (-300) / No goal (+1200) / Australia (+260)
• USA 2.5 total goals OVER (+130) / UNDER (-185)
• Australia 0.5 total goals OVER (-140) / UNDER (+100)
• 2.5 total goals OVER (-175) / UNDER (+120)
• Total goals: Even (-120) / Odd (-120)

United States vs. Australia prediction

The Australian defense has struggled, as has its goalie; that is bad news facing the United States. The USWNT offense has had no trouble finding the back of the net, and we can see the squad scoring five or more goals on Wednesday on their way to a comfortable victory.

Prediction: USA