USMNT vs. Saudi Arabia odds, prediction: Gold Cup best bets, picks Thursday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information.
The US Men's National Team got a much-needed result Sunday against Trinidad & Tobago.
It was hardly unexpected, as the Yanks were massive favorites to beat the Soca Warriors, but it was vital that Team USA got back on track after a four-match losing streak led to off-field controversy that engulfed head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
The only way that Pochettino and USMNT can keep things quiet is by following up their 5-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago with another victory against Saudi Arabia in the Gold Cup on Thursday night at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
The Stars & Stripes are a -185 favorite on the three-way moneyline at FanDuel for Thursday's tilt.
Gold Cup: USA vs. Saudi Arabia betting preview
Saudi Arabia shocked everybody with a 2-1 win over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup, a result that got tongues wagging about the possibility that the Arabian Falcons were on their way to becoming a relevant team in international soccer.
That isn't what happened, as Saudi Arabia lost its next two matches in Qatar and has essentially traded wins, draws and losses since upsetting Lionel Messi and company.
Saudi Arabia is ranked as the No. 58 team in the world in the latest FIFA World Cup Rankings, which puts them in the same range as Ireland, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and Jordan.
Diego Luna of the United States during Sunday's match with Trinidad & Tobago.
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Gold Cup: USA vs. Saudi Arabia pick
It's hard to say we've learned anything new about the USMNT after they thumped Trinidad & Tobago.
The Stars & Stripes took care of business and were ruthless anytime the Soca Warriors made a mistake, but they were gifted plenty of scoring chances through Trinidad & Tobago errors, rather than anything else.
Saudi Arabia will be a much stiffer test, but not one that the Americans should, at least on paper, have any issues overcoming.
Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps
The Arabian Eagles ground out a 1-0 win against Haiti in their opening match, but they were far from impressive. A 21st-minute penalty was the difference, and it was Haiti that had more possessions and shot attempts.
One thing we can expect from Saudi Arabia is they will try to make life difficult for the Americans with physical play and dogged defense.
Head coach Hervé Renard is renowned for his ability to get the most out of underdog rosters, and he does it by organizing them defensively and looking to counter.
The USMNT will know that the Saudi Arabians will be sitting deep, and looking to counter, which should lead to a more tepid, careful pace from the Americans.
Team USA should have enough to get this over the line, but the stylistic matchup means this could be a snoozer.
The Play: Under 2.5 goals (-130) | USA 2-0 exact score (+550, FanDuel)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
- Yahoo
London City Lionesses make statement signing of Daniëlle van de Donk
Daniëlle van de Donk in action for Netherlands against Scotland earlier this month. The former Arsenal midfielder is returning to the WSL with London City Lionesses. Daniëlle van de Donk in action for Netherlands against Scotland earlier this month. The former Arsenal midfielder is returning to the WSL with London City Lionesses. Photograph: Marcel van Dorst/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock London City Lionesses have made a statement of intent following promotion to the Women's Super League by completing the signing of Netherlands midfielder Daniëlle van de Donk. The independently-run club, who will play in the WSL for the first time next season after winning the Women's Championship title in May, have acquired the 33-year-old on a free transfer from record eight-time European champions Lyon, recently renamed as OL Lyonnes, following the conclusion of her contract. OL Lyonnes are, like London City Lionesses, owned by the American businesswoman, Michele Kang. Advertisement Related: Hannah Hampton aims to live up to Mary Earps's legacy as England No 1 Van de Donk won the WSL title winner with Arsenal in 2019 and was also part of the Netherlands squad that won the 2017 Women's European Championship and reached the final of the 2019 World Cup. She has signed a two-year contract with London City, who have made no secret of their ambitions to disrupt the established big-name of women's football in England. 'I'm feeling really good,' said Van de Donk, who is London City's first signing of the transfer window. 'It's such a nice environment to be in, the club really appeals to me, it reminds me of a little family, and I want to be a part of it. The project that London City have, it's different but in a good way. London City have to battle for everything and that's my style.' News of Van de Donk's return to the WSL came as the Football Association formally approved the expansion of the division from 12 to 14 clubs from the 2026-27 season.
USA Today
30 minutes ago
- USA Today
LeBron James on whether he will play in 2028 Summer Olympics
LeBron James on whether he will play in 2028 Summer Olympics During the first decade of his NBA career, LeBron James became a regular member of Team USA men's basketball. He represented the United States in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, and he also participated in the 2006 FIBA World Championship (now known as the FIBA World Cup). He won the gold in 2008 and 2012, although Team USA only came away with a bronze medal in 2004, something James is criticized for to this day. After the United States failed to medal in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, James, along with Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant and other veteran NBA superstars, quickly volunteered to compete in the 2024 Olympics. Thanks to their help, Team USA regained the gold. There are some who have been wondering if James, who is 40 years of age, may wear the red, white and blue once again in 2028 when the Summer Olympics take place in Los Angeles. But he told Hollywood Reporter that it probably won't happen. 'Nothing has changed. Where we at, man, 2025 right now? (Laughs) Nah, nothing has changed. I mean, if I had to look at it right now through a microscope, I would say that, me being able to support Team USA for the rest of my life — that's for sure. But me actually going on and playing, I don't see it happening. 'I've given everything that I have, and I will always be appreciative and loyal and dedicated to Team USA and USA Basketball.' In all, James has won three Olympic gold medals. The record for men's basketball is held by Durant, who also took part in the 2016 Summer Games, as well as the subsequent Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Football legends reunite for evening of entertainment at County Ground
The pair were also team-mates at Tottenham Hotspur for several years (Image: Swindon Town Football Club) Football legends Ossie Ardiles and Micky Hazard have returned to Swindon Town for a night of nostalgia. The Tottenham Hotspur legends and Swindon Town alumni joined fans at the Nigel Eady County Ground on Wednesday, June 11 for 'An Evening with Micky Hazard and Ossie Ardiles'. Advertisement Swindon welcomed the former midfielders to the Legends Lounge to entertain an audience with tales from their impressive playing careers. Ardiles and Hazard spoke to supporters about their time at White Hart Lane and the County Ground, their time in English football and their experiences on the international stage. Ardiles managed Swindon from 1989 to 1991, describing the club's 1-0 win over Sunderland in the 1990 Second Division play-off final as one of his all-time favourite achievements. He also made two appearances for Swindon as a player in a career that also saw him win the 1978 World Cup representing Argentina. Advertisement Hazard scored 17 goals for Swindon in 121 appearances and helped guide the club to the Premier League under the management of Glenn Hoddle. Recommended reading The pair were Spurs team-mates from 1978 to 1985 before Hazard departed for Chelsea, winning the FA Cup and UEFA Cup while at the club. Their evening at the County Ground is part of a calendar of events that will see a number of legendary figures from the world of football. Stuart Pearce visited the Legends Lounge to speak with fans earlier this year in March, while Paul Merson will be making a similar appearance at the club on October 29. The events are part of a club initiative to push for increased commercial revenue that could help guide Swindon back to League One. Advertisement The club's Chief Commercial Officer, James Watts, said: "We are doing a selection of events in The Legends Lounge. We want to try and turn it more into a venue, using it for more events and getting promoters involved in that, who we are talking to on a local and national level. "That goes beyond club events but also guest speakers, race nights, and things like that. "The concert was the starting point, and on the back of that, we can add things to the commercial portfolio in the lounge, but also the suites upstairs and then with a redevelopment of the stadium, you can look at other things."
