Without a doubt the greatest upset of the Women’s World Cup so far came as 4/1 (5.0) outsiders Italy stunned an Australia side who’d been tipped to make a deep run in France this summer.
The Matildas shouldn’t be written off of course, yet a positive result against Brazil in Montpellier looks basic after that opening defeat.
Vadao’s side traveled past Jamaica 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Crisiane, a win that ended a run of nine straight defeats for the South Americans.
Latest Odds
Given that dismal run coming into the tournament, it’s no surprise to see Brazil as 12/5 (3.40) underdogs in this game according to bet365.
Australia, for their part, are priced at 21/20 (2.05) to collect maximum points while the draw is available at 13/5 (3.60) with the same firm.
Team News
Sam Kerr struck her first World Cup goal in the Italy defeat, clearing home a bounce back having seen her penalty initially saved. The 25-year-old is 20/21 (1.95) to find the net in this game and 7/2 (4.50) to be the first goalscorer.
A great part of the spotlight was on Marta in the development to the tournament. Brazil’s 33-year-old forward holds the record for the most goals at Women’s World Cups with 15 strikes. She’s a 5/4 (2.25) shot to extend that tally here while hat-trick hero Cristiane is 7/5 (2.40) to get on the scoresheet once more.
Preview
Australia coach Ante Milicic has demanded he’ll remain loyal to the assaulting philosophy he needs his side to play. That could spell more inconvenience however, judging by the defensive lapses which presented Italy with several chances, even before Barbara Bonansea sealed victory for the Azzurre in injury time.
Double the Italians thought they’d scored uniquely to have VAR rule the goals out, but the Australian backline have plenty more questions to answer.
With that in mind backing an open game looks an insightful move. defence leaves plenty to be desired itself given the routine win over Jamaica was their first clean sheet in 11 matches.
Predictions
Both teams to score is only 8/13 (1.62) and over 2.5 goals is 7/10 (1.70) with bet365. Every determination conveys a lot of merit but could be a touch short for most punters to consider as a single bet.
Joining those determinations at present pays 20/21 (1.95) and looks a worthy pick for what could be an end-to-end encounter in Montpellier.
Australia’s last eight matches have all seen three or more goals scored and it’s tough to expect a defence who’ve leaked 10 goals in three games to keep things tight.
Despite that, Brazil’s dismal form prior to the World Cup getting underway can’t be overlooked and Milicic’s side should find plenty of joy in the final third themselves.