CONCACAF Gold Cup - Honduras and USA in action

The international football calendar heats up this weekend with soccer betting fans in for a treat as the CONCACAF Gold Cup kicks off on Friday, July 3. Canada and Costa Rica open the proceedings with their respective matches against Jamaica and El Salvador on Friday, while defending champions USA and Honduras take centre stage on Saturday.

Honduras and USA fall into the same group – Group B where Honduras are considered the favourites. Though the USA won the 2007 Gold Cup the team is weary after participating in Confederation Cup last week, and a second-tier team has been called up, leaving the door wide open for a new champion.

Here is a look at the Group B’s opening round matches on Saturday July 4, complete with BetUS Soccer odds and lines.

Soccer Betting Line:

Honduras -500

Haiti +1000

Draw +400

Match Time: 07:00 P.M. Eastern Time Saturday, July 4 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: The non-football reasons that almost prevented Honduras from participating in Gold Cup 2009 (recent political strife and adversity) have not affected their market value. They enter this match with a hefty favourite price tag of -500 at BetUS. They are the clear favourites to take this match, firmly shutting the door on any notion they might be so distracted that Haiti would blind sight them. Is the market downplaying something so significant that it could distract the players? Possibly, but unlikely. Soccer betting fans looking to back Haiti can find them listed at long odds of +1000 and the draw listed at +400.

Soccer Free Picks: Honduras -500

Soccer Betting Line:

Grenada +1400

USA -1000

Draw +600

Match Time: 09:00 PM P.M. Eastern Time Saturday, July 4 2009

Soccer Betting Verdict: Though the USA is coming off an incredible runner-up finish at the Confederations Cup it is important to note they are sending a water downed team to Gold Cup 2009. This is not the same group of men that sent seismic shockwaves worldwide. The makeover takes away some from their traditional cast as heavyweights in this competition. Nevertheless, they are still considered a better side than Grenada and they should take this match convincingly. At -1000, BetUS lines makers are confident USA will put forward a solid performance against Grenada, +1400 puppies.

Soccer Free Picks: USA -1000