Ice Hockey World Championship, Group 1, Matchday 7 on Tuesday, 26/05/2026, 16:20
It was secretly known that the Americans would not present themselves as strongly as they did with their success at the Olympics. However, in addition to me, the sports betting providers did not assume that they would have such a hard time in Switzerland!
The ÖEHV selection, on the other hand, presented itself better than expected, but according to my USA Austria tip, they will still be denied a quarter-final participation like last year.
If the Austrians had competed with the US boys a few days ago, my USA Austria tip would have been different. Because the NHL professionals, who were not well-rehearsed in this line-up, played close games against Germany and Latvia, which were not planned in this way.
But now that they have understood what the hour has come, a jolt has gone through the team. So if the Olympic champions take the matter seriously – and I firmly assume so now – then the playing potential is even enough for a riskier bet.
Which ones? How about USA to win with Asian-HC -3.5 at betting odds of around 2.20 at bet-at-home? Because exhausted and flat as the ÖEHV selection has looked recently, the United States could really let it rip.
If you want to focus less on the outcome of the game and more on the course of the game, you will probably do little wrong with the bet Over 5.5 goals.
The odds of about 1.68 are also high enough to meet the conditions of a good sports betting bonus, and the tendency of both teams justifies this betting maneuver in any case.
For both nations, five of their six World Cup preliminary round games have ended with more than five goals in regular time.
The option 2nd period: Over 1.5 goals leads to a USA Austria quota that is satisfactory for me, which averages 1.45.
I made this bet with calculation! Because as long as the legs of the ÖEHV selection are fresh, they will know how to defend themselves reasonably well.
But after the first period break at the latest, I expect a decisive increase in speed by the Americans, which will overwhelm Austria.
The important game against Germany a few days ago was similar: Austria held a 0-0 draw until the first period break, but then lost 6-2 in the end.
As far as the direct comparison is concerned, one thing can be said: If the Olympic champion of Milano-Cortina loses, then the disgrace would be devastating.
Not only would the Americans miss the first World Cup quarter-final since 2010, but they would also lose to an opponent who could beat them for the first time in 25 years.
By the way: The last duel together dates back to the 2024 World Cup and went 4-1 to the United States.
Conclusion: The United States has certainly not spilled its way with glory so far. Even Hungary conceded three goals yesterday.
Nevertheless, I expect them to master this task. Austria has done brilliantly so far, but the defeats against Finland, Germany and Switzerland have shown that the great quality is missing.
US goalie Joseph Woll doesn’t look solid, but his compatriots are doing enough up front to secure their ticket to the quarterfinals.
