There will be a lot on the line when the US men’s national team (USMNT) meets Australia in the World Cup on Friday (3 p.m. ET, FOX).
The winner will take first place in Group D and advance to the knockout stage. If Turkey vs. Paraguay shakes out the right way, the winner could also clinch the group. The Americans blistered Paraguay, 4-1, in their opener last week. Australia upset Turkey, 2-0.
As of publication, DraftKings is dealing the US as a -170 favorite, Australia as a +425 underdog, with the draw priced at +340. 82% of the moneyline handle and 92% of tickets are on the US. The total is set at 2.5.
Best Bet USA vs. Australia: OVER 2.5 (-105)
The biggest storyline heading into this match revolves around the status of American star Christian Pulisic. He’s dealing with a left calf injury and hasn’t been able to practice fully this week.
In 45 minutes of action against Paraguay, Pulisic converted on 82% of his passes and helped generate high-danger scoring chances.
Still listed as day-to-day, Pulisic’s potential absence looms large for the US, but it’s not as if the USMNT is bereft of talent aside from Captain America.
US striker Folarin Balogun broke out with a pair of goals against Paraguay. He’s a pure goal scorer with tactical speed, as evidenced by his 19 goals with AS Monaco this past season.
[embedded content]
Gio Reyna, who also scored against Paraguay, could replace Pulisic if he’s unable to play. The Americans also have veteran winger Tim Weah at their disposal. Weah scored the USMNT’s only goal in a 1-1 draw against Wales in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup.
Nestory Irankunda was named Australia’s player of the match after getting the start against Turkey. He scored the game’s first goal in the 27th minute. The Socceroos will need the 20-year-old to step up again, given fitness concerns surrounding striker Mo Touré (calf) and midfielder Aiden O’Neill, who’s dealt with a lingering ankle injury.
Considering the US recorded a record four goals without Pulisic scoring in the opener, we’re taking a stab on this match going OVER 2.5 goals at -105 odds, with Australia also finding the back of the net at least once.
Best USA vs. Australia Player Prop
Patrick Beach 4+ Saves (+105 at FanDuel)
Australian goaltender Patrick Beach helped preserve the upset win over Turkey, which dominated possession (72%) and fired 30 shots at the Socceroos.
Eight of those shots from Turkey were on target, and Beach saved them all. A similar game-script scenario could unfold against the US.
FanDuel is offering additional odds if you want to “ladder” Beach’s saves.
- 5 saves (+230)
- 6 saves (+490)
- 7 saves (+1000)
- 8 saves (+1900)
The Americans recorded seven shots on frame against Paraguay, who were regarded as an elite defensive unit with a solid back line. Expect them to generate enough opportunities against Australia, too, and Beach to record 4+ saves.
