Football has been in the ascendency in the US since last summer, when the men’s national team performed so admirably at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Now, though, excitement has grown to fever-pitch levels following a win for the men’s team against world champions Germany, while the US female team clinched the Women’s World Cup for the third time just this past weekend.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have played their roles for football popularity, with each set to play for Los Angeles Galaxy and New York City, respectively. And US football fans will get even happier, as they can soon follow the US men’s team in the 2015 Gold Cup tournament, which begins Wednesday with the USA taking on Honduras.
Expectations
The USA reversed the tables on Germany with a 2-1 friendly win in June 2015, coming a little over 12 months after their 1-0 World Cup exit. Following their latest inspired victory, the USA is heading into the Gold Cup in fine form.
The USA’s national football team is currently 27th in the Fifa world rankings. Honduras, meanwhile, are ranked 75th in the world by Fifa. That is a considerable gap that suggests an American advantage.
On the basis of talent, the USA have proven international goal scorers in Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore, while 24-year-old Aron Jóhannsson of AZ Alkmaar appears to be coming along well with three goals in his first 12 appearances.
Honduras do not match up well with their more talented counterparts. Midfielders Óscar Boniek García and Luis Garrido have MLS experience, but much of the team still plays in Honduras. Consequently, there is a real risk that Honduras have to sit back and defend deep to try and avoid defeat.
Match Tips
Tip one: USA to win @ 1.44 with Betfair
Tip two: No for both teams to score @ 1.66 with Betfair
USA’s most difficult game in the group stages will be against Honduras. Thus, fewer goals should be expected. Backing the USA to win along with no for both teams to score could work out better than selecting over 2.5 goals.