USA vs. Japan odds, prop bets, prediction: Americans favored in 2024 Olympic women's soccer quarterfinal

The US women's soccer team came into the 2024 Olympics as the gold medal favorite and has looked deserving, going 3-0 and scoring a tournament-high nine goals in group play. The USA won its first two games by three goals, beating Zambia 3-0 and Germany 4-1. Then, with the group in hand, the Americans took their foot off the gas but still beat Australia, 2-1.

In the quarterfinals on Saturday (9 a.m. ET, USA Network, Telemundo, Peacock), the USWNT faces a strong Japan squad that battled back after losing its first match to win the next two and make it to the knockout rounds.

The USA is a reasonably-priced favorite over Japan, according to betting odds at top online sportsbooks .

Japan's one loss was to Spain, who is tied with the United States with +150 odds at Bet365 Sportsbook to win gold. It was only a one-goal loss (2-1), and the Japanese bounced back to beat Brazil 2-1 and Nigeria 3-1.

Two tight games against top competition could give Japan an advantage over the US, which has coasted so far. Japan scored two goals against Brazil after the 90th minute to come back and win. The USWNT will have to play a full 90+ minutes, because Japan has proven it can execute in tight matches.

United States vs. Japan odds at DraftKings: Moneyline, total, spread for Olympic women's soccer quarterfinal

Here are DraftKings ' odds on the USA vs. Japan women's soccer match at the Paris Games:

All the hard work in group play was to get here, and from this point forward, things like goal differential, tiebreakers, and such don't matter. It is win and advance, as the United States and Japan battle on Saturday to make it to the Olympic semifinal, where they will face the winner of Canada and Germany.

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USWNT betting news and analysis

The US came into the match with Australia knowing it had a spot secured in the knockout rounds, but a win or tie would guarantee the group win and, in theory, a more favorable first match in the knockout rounds. Japan is not an easy opponent, though. In fact, this is the strongest opponent the USWNT has faced in the Olympics so far.

The USA offense had some question marks coming into the Olympics but has delivered in a big way. Mallory Swanson leads the team with three goals, while the other two wings/forwards, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, each have two. Smith is also tied with Lindsey Horan for the team lead with two assists.

One area to watch against Japan is the USWNT's late-game defense. It has been questionable, including allowing a stoppage-time goal against Australia.

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Japan betting news and analysis

Japan has taken a team-centered approach to the Olympics. While the squad has scored six goals in total, all of them have come from different players. They only have one team assist, coming from a player who has not scored. On the one hand, that is impressive, as the entire team is contributing, but it has also been evident that they don't have a star who can elevate the team.

The United States, in contrast, has several offensive stars that Japan has to account for. The Japanese need someone to step up offensively. The USWNT is averaging three goals a game, and Japan has scored three goals only once, against a winless Nigeria team.

USA vs. Japan player prop bets at Bet365

Here are some player prop bets to consider from Bet365 Sportsbook for the women's Olympic soccer quarterfinal between the United States and Japan.

• Sophia Smith anytime goalscorer +140; two or more goals +750
• Mallory Swanson anytime goalscorer +160; two or more goals +850
• Trinity Rodman anytime goalscorer +210; two or more goals scored +850
• Lindsey Horan anytime goalscorer +210
• Mina Tanaka anytime goalscorer +225; two or more goals scored +1600
• Riko Ueki anytime goalscorer +260
• Maika Hamano anytime goalscorer +333

United States vs. Japan prediction for Paris Games

The USWNT faces its most difficult challenge of the Olympic run so far. The reason the Americans will pull out a win, though, is their offense. It has been even better than expected, with young stars like Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman delivering in a big way. Japan has struggled to score and will not be able to match the USWNT's offensive output.

Prediction : USA