Tournament: Friendly International
Date & Kick-Off Time: 2024.09.11, 19:00
The United States will host New Zealand in a friendly match on September 11, 2024. The USA is looking to regain confidence after a series of inconsistent results, while New Zealand will aim to continue their recent winning streak, albeit against much tougher opposition this time around.
Key Statistics and Trends
- USA: Has won only 1 of their last 6 matches.
- New Zealand: Has won 4 matches in a row, but all victories came against lower-level opponents from Oceania.
- First-Half Performance: USA wins the first half in 28% of their matches, while New Zealand has yet to win the first half in any of their recent encounters.
Possible Line-Ups
USA:
- Goalkeeper: Schulte
- Defenders: Hansen, Ream, Richards, Scally
- Midfielders: Tillman, Cardoso, Musah
- Forwards: Pulisic, Balogun, Aaronson
New Zealand:
- Goalkeeper: Crocombe
- Defenders: Cacace, Smith, Boxall, Payne
- Midfielders: Stamenic, Bell, Old, Garbett, Barbarouses
- Forward: Wood
Team Overview and Form
USA ("The Stars and Stripes"):
The USA, after missing out on the 2018 World Cup, returned to the global stage in Qatar and successfully advanced past the group stage. However, they have been struggling in recent friendlies and in the extended Copa America, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs despite hosting the tournament. The team is in a transitional phase, with Pochettino appointed as the new coach but yet to fully take charge. Interim coach Mikey Varas is leading the team for this match, which could be an opportunity to rebuild momentum.
New Zealand ("The Whites"):
New Zealand has been dominant in the Oceania region but has struggled to make an impact on the global stage since their last World Cup appearance in 2010. They recently secured another Oceania Nations Cup, winning comfortably against weaker opposition. However, when playing against stronger teams outside their region, such as Mexico recently, New Zealand has found it tough, suffering a 0-3 loss.
Head-to-Head Matches
New Zealand managed a draw against the USA in a 2016 friendly, but they had previously lost to the USA twice.
Tactical Analysis and Predictions
- USA: Playing at home, the USA will look to dominate possession and control the tempo. With attacking players like Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun, they will focus on breaking down New Zealand's defense. Their primary weakness has been inconsistency, but against weaker opposition, they should have the upper hand.
- New Zealand: New Zealand will likely play a defensive game and rely on quick counter-attacks. However, with a significant gap in quality between the two teams, they may struggle to contain the USA’s offense.
Betting Prediction
The USA is expected to push for a strong performance, especially after recent poor results. Given New Zealand's struggles against stronger teams, a bet on the USA to win with a -1.5 goal handicap is a solid option, with odds of 1.95.
Prediction: USA to win with a -1.5 goal handicap (odds: 1.95).
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