Latvia U20 vs USA U20: prediction & betting odds December 28, 2024

The Matchday 3 clash in the 2025 World Junior Championship between Latvia and the USA will take place on December 28 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa. Latvia vs. USA: prediction and betting odds, statistics.

Latvia

The team sensationally defeated Canada in a shootout with a score of 3-2 in the tournament's opening match, marking their first-ever victory against Canada in the World Junior Championship. Notably, Latvia was outshot by nearly a two-to-one margin. Highlighting the Latvian squad were goaltender Linards Feldbergs, who stopped 54 shots, and the most productive player Bruno Osmanis, who provided two assists. After two days of play, the team is in fourth place in Group A's standings.

• Latvia has scored at least one goal in regulation time in their last five head-to-head matches at the World Junior Championship.
• The team has not lost by more than four goals in regulation time in 13 of their last 16 games at this tournament.
• No more than six goals have been scored in regulation time in 7 of Latvia's last 11 matches at the World Junior Championship.

USA

The Americans started their World Junior Championship campaign with a resounding 10-4 victory over Germany. James Hagens stood out for the team, earning four points (2 goals, 2 assists). Currently, the USA is the most prolific team in their group after two days of play and sits in second place in the standings with three points.

• At least seven goals have been scored in regulation time in their last five head-to-head matches at the World Junior Championship.
• The Americans have scored at least six goals in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 matches at this tournament.
• The team has won by at least five goals in regulation time in 3 of their last 5 matches at the World Junior Championship.

Latvia vs. USA: Match Prediction

After Canada's unexpected defeat to Latvia, the Americans now have every chance to finish first in the group stage, and given the team's character, they are likely to seize this opportunity. The USA looked very confident in their first match, and despite the opponent not being the strongest, they played diligently. The class difference with the upcoming opponent is evident, so I expect a convincing victory from the Americans, especially since their finishing was spot-on in the first match.

As for Latvia, I doubt they will surprise again, especially since the Americans now understand that they should not underestimate their opponent. Moreover, despite the victory, the match against Canada was tough for the Latvians, and their goaltender, who stopped 54 shots, may not be in the same top form, especially given the short recovery time for the team, so physical conditioning should also be considered.

USA has won by at least five goals in regulation time in 4 of their last 5 head-to-head matches at the World Junior Championship. Additionally, the team has won by a similar margin in 3 of their last 5 matches at this tournament, so my prediction: USA with a handicap (-5)