New Zealand-Norway, Australia-Ireland predictions, picks by Chris 'The Bear' Fallica
"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is finally here, which means fans and bettors are in for an exciting few weeks of incredible competition — and you can watch all the action on FOX/FS1 and the FOX Sports app.
As for gambling on these matches, I'll give you my best bets for these matchups throughout the tournament. Basically, if I see an edge, I'll share it.
Let's dive into the fun with a couple of wagers I'm making for Matchday 1. Let the games begin!
New Zealand vs. Norway, 3 a.m. ET Thursday, FOX and the FOX Sports app
New Zealand/Norway both teams to score (No -128)
The goal here for New Zealand is simple: try to get out with a 1-0 or 2-0 loss at worst. The Ferns should expect to beat the Philippines, and then second place should come down to the match with Switzerland.
Norway will be buoyed by the return of Ada Hegerberg and should get the full three points against the co-hosts here. But expect New Zealand to limit scoring chances and put itself in a position to advance out of the group.
PICK: No -128 to both New Zealand/Norway scoring (bet $10 to win $17.81 total)
Alexi Lalas' State of the Union
Australia vs. Republic of Ireland, 6 a.m. ET Thursday, FOX and the FOX Sports app
Australia to keep a clean sheet (-122)
This is the best opportunity Australia has to make a deep run.
Yes, there’s pressure to get three points in an opening match and you are close to a $4 favorite, but I do feel confident Ireland will have trouble scoring. And that's because outside of Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan, there likely aren’t many scoring candidates.
PICK: Australia -122 clean sheet (bet $10 to win $18.20 total)
Chris "The Bear" Fallica has covered sports for nearly three decades. While college football has been his focus, he also enjoys the NFL, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, MLB, NHL and Horse Racing, with an "occasional" wager on such events. Chris recently won the inaugural Circa Football Invitational and finished in the Top 10 of the Golden Nugget Football Contest. He’s a multiple-time qualifier for the NHC Handicapping Championship. Remember, "The less you bet, the more you lose when you win!" Follow him on Twitter @chrisfallica.
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