2023 Women’s World Cup Day 1 Predictions, Odds & Picks for 07/20

The opening match of the Women's World Cup 2023 sees host nation New Zealand take on Norway. Despite their home advantage, New Zealand's World Cup history is less than stellar, with no wins to their name in previous tournaments. 

Recent performances have also been shaky, with three losses in their last five matches and a failure to score in each. Norway, on the other hand, enters as the favorite, boasting a strong team that has consistently reached the knockout stages in past World Cups. Their recent form has been impressive, with nine wins and one draw in their last ten qualifying games. 

However, their recent international friendlies have been less convincing, with a mix of wins, losses, and draws. Despite being the host nation, New Zealand's scoring form has been poor, and they face a strong Norwegian side known for their defensive prowess. 

Given these factors, the betting pick leans towards a low-scoring match. Both teams have a tendency towards games with under 2.5 total goals, and with New Zealand's recent scoring drought, the odds are set at -147 for both teams not to score at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Betting Pick: Both teams to score NO (-147) at BetMGM 

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Match 2 of our exclusive 2023 Women’s World Cup Day 1 schedule features the co-host nation, Australia, who are facing the feisty Ireland squad! 

Before we get into the details, take a moment to sign up with FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the best online betting sites, and take advantage of the generous Bet $5 Get $100 welcome bonus  offers for the World Cup.

The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is set to kick off with a thrilling match between Australia and Ireland. Australia, the co-hosts, is entering the tournament on a high note, having recently secured a 1-0 victory over France.

 Ireland, on the other hand, suffered a 3-0 defeat against the same opponents. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides, with their last encounter in a friendly in September 2021 ending in a 3-2 victory for Ireland.

Australia, known as the Matildas, has been in impressive form, winning nine of their last ten games and scoring at least twice in eight of those matches. Ireland, making their debut at the FIFA Women's World Cup, has been unbeaten in eight competitive games, winning six. 

However, seven of Australia's last eight games have seen one team fail to score.

Given Australia's strong form and home advantage, they are expected to start their campaign on a positive note. The Matildas' charge will be led by the talented Sam Kerr, who has scored 13 goals in her last 13 appearances. The match against Ireland offers the hosts a chance to start their campaign on a positive note.

Considering the teams' recent performances and the fact that seven of Australia's last eight games have seen one team fail to score, the betting pick for this match would be over 2.5 goals scored with odds set at -136 with FanDuel Sportsbook.

Betting Pick: Over 2.5 goals (-136) at FanDuel