Olympic Women's Soccer 2012: 10 Bold Predictions for USA vs. France

Determined to wipe off the bad taste from faltering in the final of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, Pia Sundhage's USA women's national team begin their Olympic gold medal defense against Bruno Bini's France at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

The Stars and Stripes won the 2012 CONCACAF Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament, while France went through by way of their finish at last year's Women's World Cup in Germany.

Kickoff for Wednesday's Group G match is scheduled for 5 p.m. BST. Here are 10 bold predictions for the USA vs. France.

1. Let the Goals Fly! Over Five Goals Scored in This Match

Anytime a team takes on the United States, there's going to be plenty of action. And where there's plenty of action, there's sure to be plenty of goals. The United States and France will score early and ofter. Over five goals will be scored in this contest.

2. The USA Strike First, and Quickly

If there is one player that knows how to make a statement, it's Abby Wambach. Her 138 goals in 182 national team appearances can't go wrong. She may be 32, but she can still finish like she was 10 years younger (see Sydney Leroux). Within the first 10 minutes, Wambach begins this goal festival in Scotland.

3. Two Assists for Heather O'Reilly

The United States is stacked with footballing talent. They have some of the best midfielders to ever play the game. One of those midfielders is Heather O'Reilly. HAO has 34 goals in 166 national appearances to her credit, and she will get two assists to lead the charge.

4. At Least Five Saves from Hope Solo

When you think USA goalkeeping, you have to think of Hope Solo. With 118 appearances to her belt, the Seattle Sounder will make it No. 119 against Les Bleus. And it wouldn't be a Solo-esque performance without some clutch stops. Solo will need to make at least five saves to help the USA out because France are a very potent team offensively.

5. Marie-Laure Delie with a Brace

Les Bleus are not Germany when it comes to worldwide household names, but they pack a punch when it comes to scoring. Montpelier's Marie-Laure Delie has 36 goals in 41 appearances for France, and as the leading goalscorer on the roaster, Delie is going to frustrate Hope Solo with a capital F. Look for France's No. 11 to bag home a brace.

6. Alex Morgan with a Brace

The Seattle Sounders have some of the best talent to ever don the strip of the Stars and Stripes. One of those players is forward Alex Morgan. Morgan will be itching to frustrate whoever starts in goal for Les Bleus, whether it's Celine Deville or Sarah Bouhaddi, both of Olympique Lyonnais.

The USA's No. 13 will bag home a brace to help pace the USA against France.

7. The Stats Won't Tell the Story...the Scoreline Will

On paper, this looks like a victory for the USA in terms of names, goals and overall swagger. But don't underestimate France for a second. Once again, anytime you take on a team of the USA's caliber, you tend to play your best game of the tournament.

The statistics for this match are going to be pretty even. One side might have better possession and passing, the other side peppers the net more. The stats are not going to tell the story. It will be the final score.

8. A Penalty Will Be Called

This is going to be a very intense game between two proud countries. And Japanese referee Sachiko Yamagishi is going to have to call a penalty, committed by France. Easy tap-in for Abby Wambach, who will add to her 138 goals in her long, storied career.

9. Over 15 Fouls and Two Yellows

It's as if it's the FIFA Women's World Cup all over again. Great football on both ends, but the chippy play is going to be prevalent, and Yamagishi will have to blow her whistle. At least 15 fouls will be called, and at least two yellow cards will be issued.

10. Just Another USA Victory

This is not Germany the USA are facing. Heck, this isn't even Japan they're facing. It's France. And while Bruno Bini's women are going to give Pia Sundhage's team a fight, this match is going to go to the States in a barn burner in Glasgow. The USA coasts to begin their gold medal defense.

USA 4, France 2.