Build-Up
The hosts France, will face Argentina in the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic football tournament. France are strong favourites for the gold medal with bookies pricing them at 3.30. They have had a smooth ride so far picking up maximum points from their three group games. Scoring nine goals and conceding zero in the process.
Argentina managed to get six points from an available nine heading into their game against France. I think the hosts will have enough quality to beat Argentina so I’m backing France to win the game in 90 minutes at 2.10.
Legends in the dugout
Thierry Henry, Arsenal icon and the French Olympic Coach has brought in some serious fire power in attack. The likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Michael Olise who have all had great seasons with a combined 50 goals for their clubs have scored one each in this tournament so far.
Argentina’s Olympic team is managed by the experienced Javier Mascherano who has had a great career playing for European giants Liverpool and Barcelona. His side also have strength in depth including star-man Julian Alverez who lifted the Copa America trophy only a matter of weeks ago. The Manchester City forward has nearly won everything possible at the age of 24 and will want to add an Olympic gold medal to the list.
Olympic Journeys
This Argentinian side started their tournament slowly with a shock 2-1 defeat to Morocco. Following that result, they turned it around and beat Iraq and Ukraine to qualify from the group. France have looked excellent in their first three games against the USA, Guinea and New Zealand. Their performance against the Kiwis was particularly impressive and dominant scoring in both halves. Les Bleus are also yet to concede after three games.
All seven of their group stage goals have come from a different player, so they have shown they’re capable of scoring all over the pitch. I think France will continue to play free-flowing football which has seen them thrive from defence to attack so far in Paris. I predict that France will beat Argentina in normal time at 2.10.
