Ukraine U23 vs Morocco U23 Prediction: The match between Ukraine U23 and Morocco U23 is expected to end in a 1-1 draw, suggesting a closely contested encounter with both teams finding the net but unable to secure a victory.
The Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, France will host an intriguing Olympic men’s football clash between Ukraine U23 and Morocco U23 on July 27, 2024. Both teams are looking to bounce back after contrasting results in their opening Group B matches.
Match Details
| Match | Ukraine U23 National Football Team vs Morocco U23 National Football Team |
| Date | July 27, 2024 |
| Time | 15:00 UTC |
| Venue | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Ètienne) |
Match Preview
Ukraine U23 suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Iraq in their first game, despite taking the lead through Valentyn Rubchynskyi early in the second half. The European side dominated possession but failed to capitalize on their chances, ultimately conceding twice to end up at the bottom of Group B.
Morocco U23, on the other hand, secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Argentina in a match marred by controversy. Soufiane Rahimi’s brace put the North African side in control, but a late equalizer for Argentina was disallowed after a lengthy VAR review, sparking heated debates.
Ukraine U23 vs Morocco U23 Lineups and Formation
Ukraine U23 Lineup (Probable 4-3-3): Khlan, Kryskiv, Batagov, Rubchynskyi, Sikan, Mykhailenko, Fesyun, Talovierov, Martinyuk, Bragaru, Krupskyi
Morocco U23 Lineup (Probable 4-2-3-1): Rahimi, Mohamedi, Seghir, El Azzouzi, Hakimi, Targhalline, El Ouahdi, Boukamir, Richardson, Ezzalzouli, El Khannouss
Key Players to Watch
For Ukraine, Maksym Bragaru’s directness caused problems for Iraq before his substitution. Dmytro Kryskiv, who created four chances in the previous match, will be crucial in unlocking the Moroccan defense.
Morocco’s star player Soufiane Rahimi, who scored both goals against Argentina, will be the main threat. The team also boasts Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, adding experience and quality to their lineup.
Injury Concerns
Morocco’s Ilias Akhomach’s participation is uncertain after he was substituted due to injury in the match against Argentina. Ukraine has not reported any injury concerns following their opening fixture.
Where to Watch
In the United States, fans can catch the action live on:
- Peacock (Premium Plan: $5.99/mo)
- UNIVERSO
- NBC Sports App (authentication required)
- nbcsports.com (authentication required)
Ukraine U23 vs Morocco U23 Live Stream and TV Schedule
- United Kingdom: discovery+, EuroSport Player UK, discovery+ App, EuroSport 2 UK
- France: Eurosport Player France, MAX
- Germany: Eurosport Player Deutschland
- Italy: Eurosport Player Italy
- Spain: Eurosport Player Spain
- Australia: Stan Sport, 9Now
- Canada: CBC Sports App, cbcsports.ca
- Brazil: Not available
- Japan: Not available
Note: Availability may be subject to change. Please check local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Form and Recent Results
Ukraine U23: L (vs Iraq, 1-2)
Morocco U23: W (vs Argentina, 2-1)
Head-to-Head
This will be the first meeting between Ukraine U23 and Morocco U23 in an official competition.
Group B Standings
- Morocco U23 – 3 points
- Iraq U23 – 3 points
- Argentina U23 – 0 points
- Ukraine U23 – 0 points
Who Will Win?
Both teams have shown different qualities in their opening matches. Ukraine’s ability to control possession and create chances will be tested against Morocco’s clinical finishing and defensive organization.
Ukraine will be eager to bounce back from their opening day disappointment. Their midfield trio of Khlan, Rubchynskyi, and Mykhailenko will need to dictate the tempo and provide service to the forwards.
Morocco, buoyed by their victory over Argentina, will look to build on that momentum. Their counter-attacking style, spearheaded by the in-form Rahimi, could prove decisive against a Ukraine side that might push forward in search of a much-needed win.
Prediction
Given the contrasting fortunes of both teams in their opening matches and the quality in their respective squads, this encounter is likely to be closely contested. Ukraine’s need for a positive result may see them take more risks, potentially leaving spaces for Morocco to exploit.
A 1-1 draw seems a plausible outcome, with both teams finding the net but unable to secure all three points. This result would keep Group B finely poised heading into the final round of matches.
Ukraine U23 vs Morocco U23 Prediction: Ukraine U23 1-1 Morocco U23
Latest News
- Morocco’s controversial win over Argentina has put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
- Ukraine’s coach Ruslan Rotan will be looking to address his team’s defensive lapses that cost them against Iraq.
- The match will be crucial for both teams’ chances of progressing from a highly competitive Group B.
As the Olympic football tournament heats up, this encounter between Ukraine U23 and Morocco U23 promises to be a captivating affair with significant implications for the group standings.
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