France U23 vs Argentina U23 Prediction: France U23 are favored to edge out Argentina U23 in a close contest, with a predicted final score of 2-1 to the hosts.
The Olympic men’s football tournament reaches the knockout stages as France U23 take on Argentina U23 in a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash. This match pits two footballing powerhouses against each other, with a spot in the semifinals at stake.
Match Details
Date: August 2, 2024
Time: 19:00 UTC
Venue: Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux, France
Competition: Olympic Games Men’s Football, Quarterfinal
Match Preview
This quarterfinal clash promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between two talented young sides. France have looked unstoppable so far, dominating their group with a perfect record. Their attacking trio of Olise, Lacazette, and Mateta has been firing on all cylinders, while the defense has yet to be breached.
Argentina, on the other hand, showed great character to bounce back from an opening defeat and qualify for the knockout stages. Their creative spark Thiago Almada has been in fine form, while Julian Alvarez provides a constant goal threat up front.
France will look to control possession and create chances through the silky skills of Olise and the intelligent movement of Lacazette. Argentina are likely to sit deeper and look to hit on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace of Alvarez and the vision of Almada.
Set pieces could play a crucial role, with both teams possessing aerial threats. The midfield battle between France’s Kone and Argentina’s Fernandez will be key in determining who gains the upper hand.
France U23 vs Argentina U23 Lineups and Team News
France U23
France coach Thierry Henry has a full squad to choose from, with no major injury concerns reported. The hosts are expected to field a strong lineup as they aim to advance.
France U23 Lineup (Predicted formation: 4-3-3): Truffert, Chotard, Lacazette, Restes, Sildillia, Olise, Kone, Mateta, Lukeba, Bade, Akliouche
Key players to watch: Michael Olise, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta
Argentina U23
Argentina have no fresh injury worries ahead of this crucial encounter. Coach Javier Mascherano is likely to stick with the 4-4-2 system that served them well in the group stage.
Argentina U23 Lineup (Predicted formation: 4-4-2): Beltran, Fernandez, Simeone, Almada, Soler, Otamendi, Di Cesare, Medina, Lujan, Alvarez, Rulli
Key players to watch: Thiago Almada, Julian Alvarez, Claudio Echeverri
Players Unavailable or Injured
Both teams have been fortunate with injuries so far in the tournament, but there are a few players who may be unavailable for the quarterfinal clash:
France U23
Enzo Millot: The midfielder is a doubt after picking up a training injury
Obed Nkambadio: The goalkeeper is expected to be replaced by Guillaume Restes
Argentina U23
Lucas Beltran: The forward was substituted early in the match against Iraq due to injury concerns, but he may be fit enough to start
It’s worth noting that both teams have relatively full squads to choose from, with no major injury crises affecting either side. The coaches will have plenty of options when selecting their starting lineups for this crucial match.
Form Guide
France U23
France have been in imperious form, winning all three of their group matches without conceding a goal. Their results in the tournament so far:
- France 3-0 USA
- France 1-0 Guinea
- New Zealand 0-3 France
Argentina U23
After a shaky start, Argentina recovered well to finish second in their group. Their results:
- Argentina 1-2 Morocco
- Argentina 3-1 Iraq
- Ukraine 0-2 Argentina
Head-to-Head
This will be the first-ever meeting between France and Argentina in the men’s Olympic football tournament. However, their senior teams famously met in the 2022 World Cup final, with Argentina emerging victorious on penalties.
Key Stats
- France have scored 7 goals and conceded 0 in the tournament so far
- Argentina have scored 6 goals and conceded 3
- France’s Alexandre Lacazette is the joint top scorer in the tournament with 3 goals
- Argentina’s Thiago Almada has 2 goals and 1 assist
Where to Watch
The match will be broadcast live on the following channels:
USA: Telemundo, Peacock France: France 3, Eurosport 2 Argentina: TyC Sports, Television Publica
Live Stream and TV Schedule for Other Countries
UK: discovery+, Eurosport Player UK
Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
Italy: Eurosport Player Italy
Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
Brazil: CazéTV, SporTV
Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
Japan: TVer
Who Will Win?
This is an extremely tough match to call between two evenly matched sides. France have the advantage of playing at home and their perfect record so far gives them the edge. However, Argentina have the quality to cause an upset.
In a tightly contested affair, France’s superior firepower may just be enough to see them through.
France U23 vs Argentina U23 Prediction: France U23 2-1 Argentina U23
The Olympic dream continues for the winner, while the loser will be left to rue what might have been. Football fans around the world are in for a treat as these two footballing nations collide in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
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