New Zealand vs. United States Men’s Soccer: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The second round of men’s soccer at the 2024 Olympics gets underway on Saturday after an exciting first set of games which included a shock loss for Argentina at the hands of Morocco. 

The United States will be looking to bounce back after a heavy opening defeat to France and will be confident of beating New Zealand, who opened with a 2-1 win over Guinea, when the two meet at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille. 

New Zealand vs. United States betting picks and predictions

United States to win and both teams to score +240

It was a nightmare start for the USA men’s olympic soccer side as they lost 3-0 to hosts France on Wednesday. They will have expected to lose in fairness, given Les Bleus were the favourites coming into the competition and have stars such as Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise in their roster, but the nature of the defeat will have some fans worried. 

That 3-0 loss leaves them bottom of Group A and they now need to win their remaining two matches by a decent margin, starting with New Zealand on Saturday. The OlyWhites opened with a 2-1 win over Guinea, but that could be their peak in France as the States should be backed to bring them back down to earth. 

While a 3-0 defeat to France was a far-from-ideal start for Marko Mitrovic’s side, there were at least some positive signs in that loss. They registered nine shots - four of which hit the target - against Les Bleus, went in level at half-time, and actually grew into the tie as the game progressed, having double the attempts of their opponents in the second half. 

The USA were better than the bare result against France and given they beat Guinea 3-0 in a friendly just four months ago, suggesting they have more than enough to beat New Zealand. 

However, the OlyWhites racked up over two expected goals against Guinea, suggesting they were good value for their win, and could breach a Team USA defence which has conceded seven goals in four matches. 

Tie/USA - Half Time/Full Time +350

While the States may eventually prevail in Marseille, they may have to bide their time in securing the result. It took New Zealand just 25 minutes to take the lead against Guinea thanks to a Matthew Garbett strike and they will be looking to make another fast start on Saturday, or at least keep things tight for a while. 

Mitrovic’s men took their time to grow into the match against France, only managing three shots in the first half before notching six in the second, and it would be no surprise to see them go in level at half-time at the Stade Velodrome. 

In contrast, New Zealand managed seven shots in the first half of their opener before notching just two in the second 45 minutes, suggesting that their talents actually decrease as the game progresses. If the USA can go in level at the half, they should have no issue in allowing their superior talent to come to the fore and achieve a much-needed three points against the OlyWhites. 

Djorjde Mihailovic to score any time +333

While many of the USA’s players struggled to cope with France’s superior talent on Wednesday, one player who stood out was Djordje Mihailovic of the Colorado Rapids. 

The 25-year-old created two chances for his teammates and also managed a shot himself. He got no rewards that day but against an easier opponent such as New Zealand, he could make his mark on the 2024 Olympics and kickstart Team USA’s men’s soccer journey. 

Mihailovic has enjoyed an excellent 2024 with the Rapids, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists in 21 MLS games this term, and it shouldn’t be long before that form translates onto the Olympic stage. 

The attacking midfielder has three goals in 11 games for the senior USMNT, signed off from MLS action with five strikes in four matches - including a hat-trick against St Louis - and rates a solid bet to find the net against the OlyWhites on Saturday at a big price. 

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New Zealand vs. United States odds

New Zealand	+450
Tie	+290
United States	-167

New Zealand vs. United States player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Duncan McGuire (USA)	+160
Griffin Yow (USA)	+275
Kevin Paredes (USA)	+275
Taylor Booth (USA)	+275
Paxten Aaronson (USA)	+300
Ben Waine (NZ)	+333

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.