USA vs. Chile 2019: World Cup Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For U.S. Women's Soccer Team

The United States women’s national soccer team was so dominant in its 2019 World Cup debut that much of the post-game conversation about their match had little to do with what happened during the actual competition. Team USA made headlines, more than anything, for the way they celebrated in their 13-0 victory over Thailand.

The USWNT continued to pour it on against a clearly overmatched opponent, the contest far out of reach early in the second half. As the team kept building its historic lead, their celebrations grew more emphatic, drawing some outside criticism.

“I think to be respectful to opponents is to play hard against opponents,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis told reporters after Tuesday’s match, via CNN.

“As a coach, I don't find it my job to harness my players and rein them in because this is what they've dreamed about. This is it for them, this is a world championship.”

Ellis’ comments highlight just how soundly the USWNT defeated Thailand. The match was so lopsided that reporters seemed more concerned about the way her players reacted to the victory than the actual result.

France, the World Cup’s host nation and the tournament favorites, defeated South Korea 4-0 on the first day of the tournament. Norway and Brazil both had 3-0 victories. Italy shut out Jamaica 5-0 in their second match of group play.

The U.S. won by 13 goals.

Part of that, of course, is due to Thailand’s lack of talent. The nation made its first-ever World Cup in 2015 when they were thoroughly outplayed in the group stage.

There’s no denying the gap that exists between the USWNT and much of the field. Included in that group is Chile, whom the U.S. is set to face Sunday at noon EDT in Paris.

Expecting another double-digit victory is unfair. But another blowout? That seems likely, and it might be surprising if this match is competitive.

Thailand entered the World Cup ranked 34th in the FIFA Women’s rankings. Chile is even lower at No.39. The U.S. ranks No.1 overall.

Team USA is a -4500 betting favorite for Sunday’s match at New Jersey’s FanDuel Sportsbook. Chile is a +8500 underdog. The odds of a draw are +2000.

"If anyone wants to come at our team for not doing the right thing, not playing the right way, not being the right ambassador for the sport, they can come at us," U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe said, via ESPN.com. "I think our only crime was an explosion of joy last night.

"If our crime is joy, then we'll take that."

Look for more celebrations, and potentially more controversy to follow the defending champs this weekend.

Prediction: USA over Chile, 6-0