This is the final group match for both Iran and USA, and with it possibly being the final match of the competition for one or both sides, it’s an important clash. Here we preview the match and bring you our verdict in our Iran vs USA world cup betting picks.
Neither of these two teams got their campaigns off to good starts. Iran were thrashed 6-2 by England, while the USMNT were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw by Wales. The result against Rob Page’s team must almost have felt like a defeat.
Both bounced back brilliantly on Friday though. Iran defeated Wales 2-0, while the USA held England to a 0-0 draw, and were arguably the better of the two teams.
These two nations are both outsiders in the competition. At the start of the tournament, Iran were +25000, the USA were +4000. Neither side were ever likely to be threatening the favorites, as was borne out in the odds from the best world cup betting sites.
Moving on to the favorites to win the competition, and it’s still Brazil leading the way on +250, with France (+575), Spain (+700), and Argentina (+825) all following closely behind. The tournament is really starting to get to its business end now, so you may start to notice major price swings with sides potentially getting knocked out at the conclusion of the group stages.
In the qualifying process so far, Spain and France have looked good, and I think either of these two teams could really take the game to Brazil. Spain have the players to pass you off the park, although they could lack a cutting edge up front.
While France just looks very strong and powerful. To still be able to put out a side with such quality after losing the likes of Pogba and Benzema is amazing, and I wouldn’t be against picking them to win the world cup again.
The above odds are provided by BetOnline. Please check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, where you will not only find more great betting information, but also details on the bookmaker’s latest new customer offer.
It’s another kick-off during work hours for fans of the USA living in the eastern time zone. We really will have to have a word with FIFA about this ahead of the next world cup! Oh, wait a minute, we’re co-hosting it!
The match is taking place in the Al Thumama Stadium, a 44,000 capacity venue. The match has a local start time of 10 pm, which should help the American team with the heat. This is the first time both of these teams will have played here.
This venue is playing host to eight matches, of which this is the fifth. Matches remaining to be played here include Morocco vs Canada on Thursday, December 1st, as well as a Round of 16 fixture, and one quarter-final.
There’s not been a huge amount of matches played between these nations for obvious reasons. Just two, to be precise. Back in 1998, the two sides met at the France world cup, with Iran coming out on top, 2-1 winners.
Since then, there has been a friendly match in Pasadena in 2000. That ended in a 1-1 draw. So little to nothing to go on there, apart from the fact that Iran have the historical upper hand in world cup fixtures.
The best soccer betting sites have this down in favor of the United States. The USA are the favorites at -138, with the draw coming next at +260, and then a win for Iran at +375.
Over 2.5 goals is +110, and under 2.5 is the favorite at -138. On the handicap market, Iran with a +0.5 start is +115, while starting at -0.5, the USA is -138.
Moving onto our world cup betting predictions, we have three markets to choose from for this fixture. To sum up where we are in the group, for the USA to progress to the Round of 16, they have to win. For Iran, a draw will be enough, assuming England beat Wales. If Wales win, the whole group is thrown into chaos. But nothing changes the fact that a win for the USMNT sees them through, so it’s effectively knock-out soccer from here.
On the moneyline, I’m thinking that the price on a USA win looks a bit short. That’s not me saying I don’t think Greg Berhalter’s team won’t win, just that I’m not sure they represent great value at -138.
I still have to go with the USA though, as I think they are the most likely winner, and I cautiously make them my match result betting pick. They need a result, so I’m going to back them. Although, I urge caution, as the USMNT showed in the second half against Wales, and throughout their qualifying campaign, that they are a very edgy side. And Iran were impressive against the Welsh on Friday.
Onto the over and under market, and form suggests that under is the bet, but I’m going to go against form here for a change. I know that USA games can be tight in general, and Iran are unpredicatable, but I think all bets are off here and the USA have to go for goals.
Therefore with overs at odds against, and decent value, I’m going for over 2.5 goals for my second betting pick.
About the Author
Dean is primarily a fan of English football who regularly attends games, and combining his hobby with his job, he is now a full-time sports betting writer. Rather than going down the educational route into sports journalism, Dean learned his trade by writing for his English football betting website since 2009, where he now boasts nearly 15 years of experience. After writing about football daily for years, Dean has taken the skills he learned and now uses them to great effect writing for numerous affiliate sites across the internet. A general all-around sports enthusiast with a passion for English football and cricket, Dean is also well able to turn his hand to writing about golf, tennis, F1, boxing, snooker, darts, and North American sports. Combining his extensive knowledge and experience with British humor and wit, Dean has developed into a trusted voice within the sports betting industry.
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