class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having cancelled each other out in the group stage, Al Hain-Cole doesn't expect many goals when the Matildas take on Andonovski's side in Kashima

Australia will be hoping to secure their first ever Olympic medal in soccer when they take on the USA in Thursday’s bronze medal match.

The Matildas are already enjoying their breakthrough tournament despite a narrow 1-0 semi-final defeat to Sweden, having never previously made it past the quarter-finals.

Australia vs USA latest odds

Already on a high, Australia can be backed at 7/2 (4.50) with bet365 to go one step further by coming out on top against the record four-times gold medallists.

Vlatko Andonovski’s USA side have failed to reach the final for the second time in a row after five successive appearances but are available at 8/11 (1.73) to salvage some pride by coming out on top at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.

This pair played out a tight 0-0 draw when they met in the group stage, and you can get odds of 11/4 (3.75) on them taking this game into extra-time following another stalemate.

Australia vs USA team news

Ellie Carpenter is suspended due to the red card she picked up for a professional foul in the dying stages of the Sweden match.

Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has been ruled out after suffering a knee injury that forced her off in the first half of the quarter-final defeat to Canada.

Australia vs USA preview

Although they will have been disappointed to lose out to Sweden despite putting in a strong performance and having a goal controversially ruled out with the score still at 0-0, Tony Gustavsson’s team will be confident of bouncing back despite the calibre of opposition.

It is safe to say that the USWNT have not been anywhere near their usual standards at this summer’s games, with their only win in normal time in five matches coming against underdogs New Zealand.

Indeed, the world champions almost seemed more concerned with shutting Sam Kerr and Co. down when the teams met in the group stage, putting in a surprisingly passive performance to draw 0-0.

Australia vs USA tip & predictions

Should they step out with a similar game plan on Thursday, even money (2.00) will look like excellent value on under 2.5 goals being scored for a second match in succession for both USA and Australia.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.

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