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Portugal -1, -1.5 over Iran -125
USA +1, +1.5 -104 over Italy
USA +850 over Italy (small)
Italy is a soccer power. No doubt. I particularly like the +1.5 goals though for several reasons.
1) USA is not as bad as they looked in their first game. They have beaten some quality opposition on their way to this cup.
2) One often underestimated factor in sports handicapping is motivation and phsychology. The USA will have all the motivation in the world for this match.
For one, they want to show that they aren't as bad as they looked in game one. Right now, they are being ridiculed in the press, both here and abroad, especially in Europe, where they are becoming a laughing stock and a punching bag. They were actually being ridiculed before the tourny even started as most said their number 5 ranking was a joke.
Italy on the other hand, potentially, could take USA lightly, thinking they have a walk in the park.
3) Italy's style of play lends itself to close, one goal games. They are happy to take a one goal lead and then fall back on "d".
When you take Italy's style into consideration, and add in the USA wanting to have a much better showing here, the +1.5 goals looks attractive.
When you throw in the added motivation of proving they are not a joke, well, hey, anything can happen. That kind of motivation in sports can make a club team look like a world class team. Even if just for one game. But the USA is not just a club team, and I think they will show that today.
Some of this pick may be patriotic, I admit. But I like the reasoning as well.
I have read tons of articles and previews on this game, and have combed the net for info and opinions. NOT ONE person gives the USA a chance.
An upset here would be an upset of epic proportions.
USA-USA-USA-USA-USA-USA-USA!!!!
USA +1, +1.5 -104 over Italy
USA +850 over Italy (small)
Italy is a soccer power. No doubt. I particularly like the +1.5 goals though for several reasons.
1) USA is not as bad as they looked in their first game. They have beaten some quality opposition on their way to this cup.
2) One often underestimated factor in sports handicapping is motivation and phsychology. The USA will have all the motivation in the world for this match.
For one, they want to show that they aren't as bad as they looked in game one. Right now, they are being ridiculed in the press, both here and abroad, especially in Europe, where they are becoming a laughing stock and a punching bag. They were actually being ridiculed before the tourny even started as most said their number 5 ranking was a joke.
Italy on the other hand, potentially, could take USA lightly, thinking they have a walk in the park.
3) Italy's style of play lends itself to close, one goal games. They are happy to take a one goal lead and then fall back on "d".
When you take Italy's style into consideration, and add in the USA wanting to have a much better showing here, the +1.5 goals looks attractive.
When you throw in the added motivation of proving they are not a joke, well, hey, anything can happen. That kind of motivation in sports can make a club team look like a world class team. Even if just for one game. But the USA is not just a club team, and I think they will show that today.
Some of this pick may be patriotic, I admit. But I like the reasoning as well.
I have read tons of articles and previews on this game, and have combed the net for info and opinions. NOT ONE person gives the USA a chance.
An upset here would be an upset of epic proportions.
USA-USA-USA-USA-USA-USA-USA!!!!
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