2011 Women's World Cup Odds & Predictions: USA vs. Japan

Written by Jake Thompson
Sunday, 17 July 2011 17:21

We’ve seen the odds and now predictions are ready in the 2011 Women’s World Cup Final between Japan and the USA.

Online sportsbooks have the 2011 Women’s World Cup odds favoring Team USA at +109, with Japan coming in at +280 and the draw in regulation listed at +253.  Those that want a better line on the USA can take them at -1/2 goals at a +104 price tag, but that bet will be a loser if it takes the Americans overtime to dispatch of their Japanese rivals.  The total is set at over or under 2.5 goals with the under the favorite at -139 odds.

The Women’s World Cup Final really boils down to whether or not Japan will be able to establish their ball control style of play.  Team USA does have its defensive weaknesses but they’ve been able to mask those issues with perfectly timed passes and some lucky breaks so far in the World Cup.  Although the USA has the superior athletes, they are far from unbeatable and actually lost 1-2 in the first stage of group play to the 3rd place Swedish team.  Japan will look to create chances with their ball handling skills and it is going to be interesting to see which squad comes out on top in this 2:00 PM ET clash.

Although the USA has lost once, Japan went down 0-2 to England in the opening stage and it was their lack of quality chances which dealt them that loss.  The United States has an opportunistic defense that can cause anyone some problems, and you have to give the offensive edge to the Americans.  The Japanese are sounder on the defensive side of the pitch and they simply don’t give up easy goals.  Each squad brings some unique strengths and weaknesses into the Women’s World Cup Final and this is one that you won’t want to miss.

I generally back teams with the better defense because I firmly believe it is what wins championships, but in this case I’m going against the grain.  The USA athletic advantage will be too much for Japan to overcome and I believe the Americans are going to “bully” their way to some goals by getting better position near the posts.  Hope Solo has been great in goal the entire World Cup and I just don't see the Japanese getting any easy chances.  Japan is a team that is very technical and very good at what they do, but they are simply playing a squad that is just as talented with some genetic advantages that can’t be matched with the current rosters.

Japan 1

USA 2