World Cup Betting -- USA through big hurdle, but another looms - the Netherlands

  • In Charles Jay
  • Sat, Dec 3rd, 2022 2:09:43 am
  • By Charles Jay - Exclusive to OSGA


The Netherlands stands between the United States and the qiuarterfinal round at the World Cup in Qatar.


After two draws in Group B of the World Cup in Qatar, the United States soccer team had to win its game with Iran outright or be forced out of the competition. Fortunately for them, that is what happened. But they go into the "knockout" round of the competition with a wounded star players and facing one of the toughest opponents of all.

The Netherlands (nickname: The Oranje) haven't necessarily been impressive thus far, and may not have faced the kind of opposition the U.S. met, but they came through Group A with two wins and a draw. There were 2--0 shutouts over Senegal and the host country, Qatar, along with a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. But this is the eighth-ranked country in the world, and they have not lost a match since coach Louis van Gaal took over the program again.

The U.S. came to Qatar with its second youngest team ever, and one that was looking for some vindication after having failed to qualify in 2018. Interestingly, the Dutch were a non-qualifier that year as well. The difference is that they were the third-place finisher in 2014 and had made it to the championship game in 2010. And they have two players on their side who have been named to the World XI (11), which, for those more familiar with American football, is actually more prestigious, and more difficult to realize, than being an NFL All-Pro.

And neither one of them is the star of the tournament for them.

In the World Cup betting odds posted at BetOnline, this is the way it looks:

Three-Way Prop (regulation only)

Netherlands +104
United States +320
Draw +230

Two-Way Prop

Netherlands pk, -1/2 (-138)
United States pk, 1/2 (+122)

Total Goals

Over 2 Goals -126
Under 2 Goals +110

Christian Pulisic, the former prodigy who scored the only goal of the game against Iran, had to be pulled from that game at halftime with what has been referred to as a "pelvic contusion." He should be able to go here, but at what speed? One thing coach Gregg Berhalter has pointed out is that his staff has done an awful lot of study on the Dutch. Conversely, van Gaal is not as familiar with the Americans, but says that from what he's seen, "They are what a good team is supposed to be."

Van Gaal is in his third different stint as the national team coach. He has managed some of the most glamorous clubs in the world - not just Ajax in his own country, but also Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. So there is no question that he is one of the best in the world. And his team has gone undefeated through 18 matches (13 wins and five draws) under his stewardship this time around.

There is talent here that the U.S. really can't match. Centre back Virgil Van Dijk, the team captain who campaigns for Liverpool in the English Premier League, is a two-time member of the World XI. Midfielder Frenkie de Jong, who plays for Barcelona in La Liga (Spain) won that honor in 2019. His Barcelona teammate, Memphis Depay, has 42 goals in 84 appearances for the Oranje.

But the guy who has scored a goal in every game is Cody Gakpo, who plays for PSV Einheven and is rumored to be headed to Man United. He was last season's Dutch Footballer of the Year and is priced at +1200 to be the tournament's top goal scorer.

We've heard about a flu outbreak with the Dutch. Still, laying -138 may be a small price to pay here. If the Netherlands can strike with anything early, they can play a game of keepaway and snuff the U.S. out.

While the U.S. is a 90-1 shot to go all the way, the Dutch are priced at +1800 to win the World Cup at BetOnline, where they offer a virtual plethora of options for you on every game, all the way to the championship! And check out their specials and props. They'll help you reach your GOAL - to get a lot of fun out of the proceedings....... And getting involved is easy; all you have to do is use your credit card or all the crypto options they've got. Believe us when we tall you - there are a lot of them!!


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