While Korea managed to hold USA to a 2-2 last time they met, the last four years have see the Americans go from strength to strength and this time round the match promises to be a different affair.
Pia Sundhage has steered The Yanks to five successive wins in the build up to the Women’s World Cup, with his experienced charges racking up 14 goals and conceding just two in that time.
A 2-0 victory over Norway was followed by comprehensive wins over Finland and Iceland and back-to-back 2-0 defeats of Japan.
By way of contrast, Korea have not won in their last four competitive games losing 3-0 and 2-0 to Germany, drawing 1-1 with Holland and going down 1-0 against Belgium last time out.
Such form sees the USA made clear favourites for the tie, with bwin pricing a Yanks win at 9/20, while the draw offers odds of 333/100 and the Korea win is seen as a 21/4 bet.
This could tempt a number of football betting fans to enter the handicap market in order to see healthier returns on their bets.
Giving Korea a 1-0 lead from the off sees USA priced at 6/5 for the win, while the draw then becomes an 11/4 shot and Korea are priced at 31/20 for the win.
Another reason for USA being made clear favourites is the wealth of experience that Sundhage is able to call on.
The Yanks boast no fewer than six centurions within their squad. Leading the way is Christie Rampone racking up an impressive 235 appearances for her country. Carli Lloyd (111), Heather O’Reilly (144), Shannon Boxx (146) and Heather Mitts (116) will also be looking to draw on experience to see them through.
Two other players to watch out for will be attacker Abby Wombach, who has hit 118 international goals in 157 matches, and goalkeeper Hope Solo, who with 95 games will hope to also join the 100-club before the end of the tournament.
By way of contrast, Jo Yun-Min is Korea’s most experienced player with six goals from 30 caps, while Ra Un-Sim will look to penetrate the USA defence and add to her return of seven goals from 20 matches.
New customers can register here to receive a £25 free bet.
