As the Olympic Games Men’s Football Tournament kicks off, all eyes turn to the Group D clash between Japan U23 and Paraguay U23. Set for July 24, 2024, at 17:00 UTC, the match will unfold at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique in Bordeaux, France.
Lineups, Injury and Team News
Japan’s squad, under the guidance of Go Oiwa, faces a challenge with the absence of European-based stars like Takefusa Kubo and Wataru Endo. Despite this setback, the Samurai Blue’s predicted lineup showcases a blend of domestic talent:
Predicted Japan U23 Lineups: Mito, Kimura, Takai, Hirakawa, Sekine, Handa, Fujita, Fujio, Yamamoto, Kokubo, Hosoya
Paraguay, led by the experienced Carlos Jara Saguier, brings a mix of youth and experience to the tournament. Their anticipated starting eleven includes:
Predicted Paraguay U23 Lineups: Viera, Balbuena, Nunez, D. Gonzalez, Enciso, Gomez, Flores, Fernandez, Rivas, E. Gonzalez, De Jesus
Both teams report no major injuries, giving their respective coaches full squads to choose from.
Where to Watch
For viewers in the United States, Telemundo will broadcast the match, with streaming available on Telemundo Deportes En Vivo. Additional viewing options include Peacock and the NBC Sports App.
Form and Recent Performances
Japan enters the tournament on a positive note, having secured a 2-0 victory against the USA and holding France to a 1-1 draw in recent friendlies. These results highlight their defensive solidity and attacking potential.
Paraguay’s preparation has been less smooth, with a 4-1 loss to France and a late comeback to draw 2-2 with Ukraine in their warm-up matches. This inconsistency could be a concern for Saguier’s side.
Head-to-Head and Historical Context
The encounter brings back memories of the 2004 Athens Olympics, where Paraguay edged out Japan in a thrilling 4-3 group stage match. This historical context adds an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Group D Standings
In the opening match of Group D, both teams start on equal footing with 0 points. The group, which also includes Mali U23 and Israel U23, promises to be highly competitive, making this initial clash crucial for both sides.
Match Prediction
Given Japan’s recent form and the home continent advantage, they might have a slight edge. However, Paraguay’s Olympic pedigree and resilience cannot be underestimated. A closely contested match could be on the cards, potentially ending in a 1-1 draw.
Japan U23 vs Paraguay U23 Prediction: Japan Under-23s 1-1 Paraguay Under-23s
Key Players to Watch
For Japan, keep an eye on Mao Hosoya, whose goal-scoring prowess could be crucial. Paraguay will look to Julio Enciso of Brighton & Hove Albion to provide the creative spark in attack.
As the Olympic football tournament begins, this Japan U23 vs Paraguay U23 match sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting Group D campaign. With both teams harboring ambitions of progressing deep into the tournament, fans can expect a tactical and passionate encounter in Bordeaux.
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