Soccer Betting – USA and Brazil in International Friendly Tonight

International friendly soccer betting features an attention-worthy clash between USA and Brazil tonight. It is attention-worthy because the World Cup 2010 just wrapped up on a stellar performance by the Americans and a not so scintillating account by Brazil. Interesting to see how they will fare, so pitted against one-another under such amicable settings.

The Americans didn’t go very far in South Africa, only to the last 16 where they were eliminated by Ghana. From start to finish, it was high-drama where the Americans were concerned and no more so than in the knockout stages when the drama reached a climax.

In the dramatic last 16 encounter, Ghana took the early lead before USA were awarded a penalty shot. Landon Donovan made no mistake as he confidently equalized. The Americans looked like they would press the issue more in the second half but Ghana had all the answers. In added time, Ghana were quicker to the offense, scoring two minutes into extra time, and it was only a matter of mere minutes from then to the final whistle and the American dream of glory ending.

By contrast, Brazil’s South African journey ended in disgrace. Because not only did they lose in the quarterfinals to the Netherlands, but also they lost in complete capitulation and utter chaos. The ramification was the dismissal of coach Dunga forthwith and the complete overhaul of the national team.

So what can soccer bettors expect from today’s friendly match between USA and Brazil: Here is the breakdown.

Soccer Betting Line:

USA +½ -115 +250 2½ O -130 U Ev Draw +240

Brazil -½ -115 -115 2½ O -130 U Ev Draw +240

Match Time: 08:00 PM Eastern Time (05:00 Pacific Time) Tuesday August 10, 2010

Broadcast: ESPN 2, ESPN#.com

Soccer Betting Verdict: Brazil are the favourites, why break with tradition I suppose, listed at -115. But there are a few things to take into consideration when betting on the South American powerhouse.

First of all this is a made over Brazil side that is appearing with a newly appointed coach Mano Menezes. Only a few returnees from South Africa are on the revamped squad and they include – Alves, Ramires, Silva and Robinho.

So right off the bat, it is obvious this new team hasn’t played much together. Could be a disadvantage, especially, as they will face off against a seasoned American outfit.

The US plans to field the main squad, the core group of players that featured in South Africa, which includes the heroic Landon Donovan, Dempsey and Howard – with only a few exceptions.

The Americans, listed at +250, are putting their best foot forward and that bodes well for soccer bettors looking to buck the trend.

Remember, nobody believed the Americans would advance into the knockout stages, but didn’t they do so in South African against all the odds. A friendly against Brazil is not beyond their ability methinks, not after the international lessons they just learned.

Of course, Brazil are nothing if not the best in the world when it comes to soccer. They can never be underestimated, even when (or perhaps especially after) they have been sent to the drawing board.

Soccer Free Picks: USA +250 | Over 2 ½ -130