Fresh off of an inspiring match against England, the United States will look to hop in front of Slovenia in Group C in their World Cup betting battle. Here are the three keys to the match for these two squads to determine if, and who will grab the three points in this contest.
USA vs. Slovenia Betting Odds:
- USA +105 to win and -1/2 goal for +105 (bet now)
- Slovenia +265 to win and +1/2 goal for -125 (bet now)
Key #1 – Is Tim Howard really 100% healthy? – After allowing a goal early on against the Three Lions, GK Tim Howard was fantastic. However, he took a knock in the rib cage from F Emile Heskey, and many thought that he might have sustained broken ribs in the collision. Fortunately for the Stars and Stripes, that wasn’t the case, and a pain killer shot at halftime carried Howard through the remainder of the match. Many feel as though the American goalkeeper is amongst the best in the world, and if by chance he isn’t at full strength, the United States could struggle in what has become an imperative match.
Key #2 – Is “talk really cheap” for Slovenia? – Slovenia’s Andrej Komac came out in the media this week and predicted that his side would knock off the Americans on Friday, which would send the Slovenians into the second round of the tournament in their first effort in the World Cup. Howard, who has recently been the center of all things US soccer related, fired back by saying that, “… talk is cheap.” At least in the eyes of the media, the Americans have seemed to use this as a rallying cry; as if the prospects of moving into first place in Group C weren’t enough motivation on Friday.
Key #3 – The US found pay dirt against England, but it was a fluky goal. Is there better on the horizon? – There had better be, or the USA is going to effectively be finished here in South Africa with a premature first round exit. Yes, M Clint Dempsey has his name on the score sheet after getting credit for a goal that slipped right through the hands of GK Robert Green for England on Saturday, but anyone watching the match knows that the goal was far from deserved. F Jozy Altidore had a bunch of chances in the match, which was one that was fairly evenly contested for the majority of the last 70 minutes or so. M Landon Donovan also struck his share of chances at the British net. The draw was rightfully deserved by the Stars and Stripes, and if that is the type of performance that the team comes up with again versus Slovenia, more goals should be expected.
This is a match that the USA really should get three points from. At least with one point, a chance of survival is still in the cards, but this should be a “go for broke” situation. As long as Howard isn’t having trouble in net as he did at the very beginning of the England match, the red, white, and blue should get their three points.
USA vs. Slovenia World Cup Prediction: United States 2 – Slovenia 0
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