The stage is set for an intriguing clash as Iraq’s Under-23 squad prepares to take on their Ukrainian counterparts in the opening match of Group B at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The encounter, scheduled for July 24 at 17:00 UTC, will unfold at the prestigious Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France.
Both teams enter the tournament with high hopes and contrasting qualification journeys. Iraq secured their spot by finishing third in the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, while Ukraine impressed by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 UEFA U-21 Championship.
Lineups, Injury and Team News
Iraq’s head coach Radhi Shenaishil is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, leveraging the team’s counter-attacking prowess. The spotlight will be on Ali Jasim, who has been in scintillating form with 7 goals and 4 assists in his last 11 appearances for the national team. The projected lineup includes:
Predicted Iraq U23 Lineup: Tahseen, M. Mohammed, Jasim, Hasan, Maknzi, N. Mohammed, Al-Mukhtar, Saadoon, Hassan, Al Iman, Hussein
Ukraine’s tactician Ruslan Rotan is likely to opt for a 4-3-3 setup, emphasizing their fluid attacking style. Key players to watch include Maksym Talovierov, Oleg Fedor, and Maksym Khlan. The anticipated starting eleven:
Predicted Ukraine U23 Lineup: Bragaru, Fesyun, Martynyuk, Khlan, Kryskiv, Krupskyi, Salyuk, Sikan, Rubchynskyi, Talovierov, Mykhailenko
Injury concerns remain minimal for both sides, with no major absences reported in the lead-up to the match.
Where to Watch
Fans across the globe can catch the action live through various broadcasters. In the United States, the match will be available on UNIVERSO and Telemundo Deportes En Vivo. European viewers can tune in via Eurosport Player, while beIN SPORTS CONNECT will cover the Middle East and North Africa region.
Form and Recent Performances
Iraq’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with a narrow 2-1 loss to Egypt in their final warm-up match. However, they showcased their potential by winning four out of six games in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup earlier this year.
Ukraine, on the other hand, comes into the tournament unbeaten in their last two friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Egypt and 2-2 against Paraguay. These results demonstrate their resilience and ability to compete against diverse opposition.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
This encounter marks the first-ever meeting between Iraq and Ukraine at the U23 level, adding an element of unpredictability to the match. Both nations will be eager to establish dominance in this inaugural clash.
Group B Standings
As the opening match of Group B, both teams start on equal footing with 0 points. The group also features football powerhouse Argentina and a strong Morocco side, making every point crucial in the quest for knockout-stage qualification.
Prediction and Analysis
Given Ukraine’s strong showing in European competition and Iraq’s impressive run in Asia, this match promises to be a tightly contested affair. Ukraine’s technical proficiency might give them a slight edge, but Iraq’s counter-attacking threat cannot be underestimated.
A narrow victory for Ukraine seems plausible, with a predicted scoreline of 2-1. However, Iraq’s ability to spring surprises makes this opener an enticing prospect for neutral fans and a potential stumbling block for the European side.
Iraq U23 vs Ukraine U23 Prediction: Iraq Under-23s 1-2 Ukraine Under-23s
As the Olympic football tournament kicks off, both Iraq and Ukraine will be aiming to make a statement and set the tone for their campaign. With young talents eager to shine on the global stage, this match could well be a glimpse into the future stars of world football.
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