class=”article_teaser__2t5do”>Having proved a tough nut to crack at the Olympics so far, Al Hain-Cole expects Priestman's team to make life difficult for the Stars and Stripes
Canada will be out for revenge when they take on the USA in Monday’s Olympic Games semi-final at the Kashima Soccer Stadium.
The neighbours’ last meeting in a major tournament came at London 2012, when a controversial Alex Morgan goal decided the game 4-3 in the Stars and Stripes’ favour in the dying minutes of extra-time.
USA vs Canada latest odds
Having gone on to win a record fourth gold medal at that tournament, they are 13/20 (1.65) favourites with bet365 to remain on course for the top prize by coming out on top here.
Bev Priestman’s team have not beaten their rivals since a friendly victory in 2001 but they can be backed at 9/2 (5.50) to come out on top for the first time in 37 meetings in Japan.
Both previous encounters at the Olympics have ended in draws after normal time, and you can get odds of 13/5 (3.60) on them also taking this one into extra-time after another deadlocked 90 minutes.
USA vs Canada team news
Alyssa Naeher and Crystal Dunn are the only two players to have started all four matches so far, with Vlatko Andonovski using all 19 of his outfield players in the tournament.
Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe was the hero after saving two penalties in the shootout victory over Brazil in the last round and should prove crucial in this clash.
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USA vs Canada preview
Despite their poor record in previous encounters, the Canucks will see this as a great opportunity to finally get one over on their more successful neighbours.
Having shut out a Brazil team that was averaging three goals per game in the 0-0 quarter-final clash, they will back themselves to frustrate an American side that has looked uncharacteristically flawed at this summer’s games.
Indeed, the four-times champions failed to score in two of their group games – a shock 3-0 opening defeat to Sweden and a goalless stalemate with Australia – and struck just once in February’s meeting between the sides in the SheBelieves Cup.
USA vs Canada predictions
With just four goals to their name themselves, odds of 9/10 (1.90) offer solid value on Canada keeping things tight in their 10th match in 12 to feature under 2.5 goals.
All odds correct at time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.