USWNT vs. New Zealand prediction, odds, line: Expert reveals SheBelieves Cup picks, best bets for Feb. 20
The U.S. Women’s National Team had its chances in the opener, and now it will try to finish them when it takes on New Zealand on Sunday in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. Team USA peppered the net with shots and held the ball throughout, but it couldn’t find a breakthrough in a 0-0 draw with the Czech Republic to kick off the group stage. It throttled this New Zealand team 6-1 at last summer’s Olympics, but this is a revamped Team USA roster with stars like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe absent. Only four starters from the 2019 World Cup-winning team are playing in this event, and this young U.S. squad will face a New Zealand team that is 1-8 in its last nine games after a 1-0 loss to Iceland on Thursday.
The USWNT is a -2500 favorite in the latest USA vs. New Zealand soccer odds, while the Football Ferns are a +2200 underdog and a draw is priced at +750. Before you bet the USWNT vs. New Zealand match or make any 2022 SheBelieves Cup predictions, you need to see what renowned soccer bettor Jon Eimer has to say.
Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, Eimer has covered the English Premier League, Serie A, the FA Cup and much more. The Indiana-based handicapper compiled a winning record of 260-133-1 with more than 90 units of profit for his community on various platforms over a recent two-month stretch.
Now, Eimer has taken a close look at USA vs. New Zealand and has come up with a confident pick. He has identified several factors as to why this wager will cash. You can visit SportsLine now to see his USWNT vs. New Zealand SheBelieves Cup pick.
- USWNT vs. New Zealand spread: USA -2.5
- USWNT vs. New Zealand over-under: 3.5 goals
- USWNT vs. New Zealand money line: USA -2500, New Zealand +2200, Draw +750
- United States: It has outscored its foes 32-7 in 11 games since the last meeting.
- New Zealand: It has been outscored 22-4 in nine games since the start of 2021.
Why you should back the USWNT
The Americans’ slow start was to be somewhat expected with all the new faces, but they held the ball for 65 percent of Thursday’s match. They also outshot the Czech Republic 18-8, allowing just one shot on target while getting six on the opposing net. It was the debut of 19-year-old rising star Trinity Rodman, who had two scoring chances in 30 minutes on the pitch. The average age of the team is under 26, and the top scorer is Mallory Pugh with 18 goals.
The Americans are still the top team in the world, and they are trying to get their young players seasoned for upcoming World Cup qualifying. Catarina Macario, 21, started in the middle of the attack Thursday, flanked by Pugh and 22-year-old Sophia Smith. There is plenty of experience in midfield and on the back line. Rose Lavelle and Morgan Gautrat started at the outside midfield spots, and stalwarts Kelley O’Hara and Becky Sauerbrunn are available on defense.
Why you should back New Zealand
The Football Ferns are the 22nd-ranked team in the world, and while they have won just once since the start of 2021, they have generally been competitive. New Zealand is a co-host of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, along with Australia. While it is an automatic qualifier, it will want a strong showing, and that work starts now. The Ferns have won the Oceanic Confederation championship six times and are seeking to avenge a 6-1 loss to the USA at the Olympics.
New Zealand has scored at least once in five of its nine games since the start of 2021, and it beat South Korea 2-0 in a friendly in its last match before this tournament. It controlled the ball for 56 percent of Thursday’s loss. It had just seven shots, but two were on target, while Iceland put just three on net. The squad has tons of experience, especially in the back, where goalie Erin Nayler (75 caps) is protected by a back line featuring Ali Riley (141) and Abby Erceg (145).
How to make SheBelieves Cup and USWNT vs. New Zealand picks
Eimer has broken down Sunday’s New Zealand vs. USWNT match from all sides, and he is leaning Under the goal total. He also has another confident play and has predicted the final score, and he’s only sharing those picks here.
So, who wins Sunday’s USWNT vs. New Zealand matchup? And where does all the betting value lie? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for the New Zealand vs. USWNT SheBelieves Cup matchup match, all from the soccer expert who has his finger on the pulse of the game all over the world.
