In tournaments that have games between the beaten semi-finalists, you can end up in a situation where neither team really wants to be there.
Things are a little different in the Olympic Games, though, as the match actually has a prize at the end of it.
My Analysis
Winning and losing in this game is the difference between going home with a medal or leaving with nothing but memories.
One thing that does always seem to happen in these 3rd and 4th place games is that we tend to get an offensive showing from both teams, as both go all out to get the win.
On Friday, we will have Spain and Germany battling it out for the bronze medal in women’s soccer.
Let’s take a look at the path both teams took to get here, and predicting how it might play out.
^The Path to Bronze for Spain
The general feeling was that Spain was going to be the team to beat heading into these Olympic Games, and for a while, that certainly looked to be the case.
They went through the group stage winning all 3 games, but perhaps not in the dominant fashion that we expected to see from such a good team.
Spain had to battle back in their opening game to beat Japan 2-1. Furthermore, they followed that up with another tight win, taking out Nigeria 1-0.
They closed the group stage with a 2-0 win over Brazil, which put them in good shape heading into the knockout phase. It took penalties to get past Colombia in a game that finished 2-2.
That set up a rematch with Brazil in the semi-final. Given the earlier meeting, Spain was favored, but they lost that one by a stunning score of 4-2.
^MyBookie Olympics Odds & Lines to Win
The Path to Bronze for Germany
The group stage proved to be something of a rollercoaster for Germany, who had some serious ups and down on their way to the knockout phase of the tournament.
They opened things up with a very comfortable 3-0 win over Australia, but they then followed that up with a crushing 4-1 defeat at the hands of the United States, who will be playing for the gold medal this weekend.
They did not let that get them down, though, bouncing back with a dominating 4-1 win over Zambia, a victory that ensured them 2nd place in the group. Once they moved on, the goals dried up rather dramatically.
Germany tied 0-0 with Canada in the quarterfinal before losing on penalties. Their rematch with the US in the semi-final was closer than the group game, but in the end, Germany went down 1-0 to a goal in extra time.
^Spain vs Germany Prediction for the Bronze Medal Game
These teams haven’t squared off since 2022, with the Germans winning that one by a score of 2-0. I think we will see more offense in this one, as that is how these 3rd and 4th place games tend to go.
This really is something of a coin flip, as I think you can make a very solid case for both teams, but I am leaning toward Spain for the win.
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Olympic Soccer Pick: Spain 2-1 Germany Draw: +226 |
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2020 Women’s Soccer Bronze Medal
The bronze medal match happens on Thursday at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games when Australia takes on the United States. Team USA failed to get past rival Canada in their last match while Australia fell to Sweden. Which team will grab a medal and step to the podium during the ceremony? Check out Olympics Betting odds, analysis, and a free pick for USA versus Australia.
2020 Tokyo Olympics Betting – Women’s Soccer Bronze Medal Match
Australia vs USA Betting Odds and Match Info
- When: Thursday, Aug. 5 at 4:00 am ET
- Where: Nissan Stadium, Yokohama, Japan
- Handicap Odds: USA -½ (-149) / Australia +½ (+107)
- Moneyline Odds: USA -138 / Australia +340 / Draw +280
- Over/Under: O 2 ½ (-138) / U 2 ½ (+100)
Why bet on Australia versus USA
Although they lost in the semifinals, Australia played Sweden tough. The Aussies yielded a single goal, in the 46th minute, and had a chance to win. But Sweden, which has played like the best team in the tournament since their first match, held on for the victory. Australia forced a 0-0 draw with the U.S. earlier in the tournament. USA won’t intimidate Australia on Thursday.
Australia Last 5
- L – 0-1 vs. Sweden
- W – 3-4 vs. Great Britain
- D – 0-0 vs. United States
- L – 4-2 vs. Sweden
- W – 2-1 vs. New Zealand
Australia Predicted Starting Lineup
- Micah
- Kennedy
- Catley
- Carpenter
- Logarzo
- van Egmond
- Yallop
- Raso
- Kerr
- Foord
- Simon
Why bet on USA versus Australia
Although the favored U.S. side couldn’t get past the Canadians in the semifinals, signs point to the United States stepping it up in the bronze medal match. Coach Vlatko Andonovski said the American women will do “whatever it takes” to grab a medal during the games. Yes, the U.S. side is disappointed they won’t be the first team to win the World Cup and an Olympic gold medal back-to-back. But USA still has some talent and should be motivated to at least grab bronze.
USA Last 5
- L – 0-1 vs. Canada
- W – 2-2 vs. Netherlands
- D – 0-0 vs. Australia
- W – 1-6 vs. New Zealand
- L – 3-0 vs. Sweden
USA Predicted Starting Lineup
- Naeher
- Davidson
- Sauerbrunn
- Dunn
- O’Hara
- Ertz
- Horan
- Lavelle
- Morgan
- Williams
- Heath
Australia vs USA Final Betting Analysis
Say what you want about the United State’s talent. The truth is that Team USA doesn’t have it. They didn’t have it in the 0-3 beat down from Sweden to start the tournament.
They didn’t have it in the 2-2 penalty kick shootout victory over the Netherlands in the quarterfinals. Canada exposed the United States for what it is, a group of older soccer players who can’t keep up with younger, more skilled, teams.
Even if the United States wants to win bronze, they’re going to have a tough time pulling it off. Australia played the much better team in the semis, Sweden, and only lost by a goal.
Not only that, but let’s be honest. The U.S. Women’s Soccer squad hasn’t had their head in the game since landing in Japan. They seem more worried about kneeling for America’s National Anthem then beating their opponents on the pitch.
The U.S. players are slow, tired, and don’t seem to have nearly the heart their head coach does. It’s tough to motivate yourself when you’re embarrassed of wearing your nation’s colors. Australia wins.
Soccer Pick: Australia
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