FIFA Women's World Cup

USWNT-Netherlands, Australia-Nigeria predictions, picks by Chris 'The Bear' Fallica

Updated Jul. 26, 2023 1:39 p.m. ET

"Bear Bets" are real wagers that Chris "The Bear" Fallica is actually making.

The 2023 Women's World Cup is heating up as we head into the second week of group play — and you can watch all the action on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

Day 8 is headlined by the huge United States vs. Netherlands match, which should be a great one.

As for gambling on these matches, I'll give you my best bets daily throughout the tournament. Basically, if I see an edge, and I'm betting on it, I'll share it. I want us all to win!

I believe in transparency, so my tournament best bets record currently sits at 10-7, +$150. This is based on my wager amounts, with each being to win $100. But remember, you can always bet any amount you are comfortable with.

Let's dive into the fun with the wagers I'm making for Day 8.

United States vs. Netherlands, coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday, game time 9 p.m. ET, FOX and the FOX Sports app

Under 2.5 goals (-144)

This will be a difficult match for the U.S., as the five-across formation the Dutch uses will make it very difficult for a U.S. attack, which had 27 shots and 3.9 expected goals against Vietnam but wasn’t necessarily fluid. My guess is the Americans are still looking for the right lineup.

The defense will also be tested much more than what the U.S. faced against Vietnam. The situation here is quite interesting. The Netherlands has Vietnam left and will be more than happy with a draw in this match, as it can take its chances on beating Vietnam by greater than the three goals the United States did.

This feels like another lower-scoring game, so Under 2.5 goals is the play. I also don’t hate a nibble on the draw at +265.

PICK: Under 2.5 goals (bet $10 to win $16.94 total)

Do teams need to adjust how they play for USWNT?

Jimmy Conrad, Melissa Ortiz, Freya Coombe and Stuart Holden discussed USWNT and what their opponents need to do in order to find success against them.

Portugal vs. Vietnam, 3:30 a.m. ET Thursday, FS1 and the FOX Sports app

Vietnam Under 0.5 goals (-190)
Portugal-Vietnam Under 3.5 combined goals (-156)

These two teams offered nothing in attack in their first group match, as Portugal had an expected goals (xG) of .10 and one shot, while Vietnam had an xG of 0.00 and didn’t register a shot.

Portugal did a nice job of keeping the Dutch in check, so I can’t see Vietnam scoring. Under 0.5 goals is the play, even at the price. That said, it will probably take four goals from Portugal to beat you if you play Under 3.5, so I’ll play that as well.

PICK: Vietnam Under 0.5 goals (bet $10 to win $15.26 total)
PICK: Portugal-Vietnam Under 3.5 combined goals (bet $10 to win $16.41 total)

Australia vs. Nigeria, 6 a.m. ET Thursday, FS1 and the FOX Sports app

Both Teams To Score (BTTS) No (-175)

Nigeria made it tough on Canada as it didn’t concede and allowed just two shots on goal despite just controlling the ball for 32% of the time.

Nigeria will be without midfielder Deborah Abiodun, who was given a straight red card in the eighth minute of stoppage time, so that could affect things.

Without Sam Kerr, Australia may again find it difficult to generate scoring opportunities against a team that would be very happy to get a point and take its chances with Ireland in the final group-stage match. As was the case in Australia’s opening match, this game feels very 1-0-ish.

PICK: Both Teams To Score No (bet $10 to win $15.71 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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