France U23 vs Spain U23 prediction: European powerhouses going for gold
France U23 and Spain U23 will battle for gold in the Paris 2024 final on Friday afternoon.
France U23 vs Spain U23 prediction: European powerhouses going for gold
France U23 vs Spain U23 latest prediction
Both nations defeated North African opponents to reach the final. Now, they compete to clinch the top spot on the podium for the second time in their history.
After defeating Argentina in the quarterfinals, France was just one game away from securing a spot in the Olympic final. However, they had to overcome a tough challenge from Egypt in Lyon. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice to lead France to a comeback victory against a 10-man Egypt team. Mateta’s late equaliser, assisted by Michael Olise, was not the only successful collaboration between the two former Crystal Palace teammates this summer. Mateta then scored with a header to put the hosts ahead nine minutes into extra time. Olise later sealed the deal with a goal of his own, securing France their first football medal in 40 years. However, Thierry Henry’s team are aiming to secure France’s first football gold since 1984.
Aiming to replicate the senior squad’s heroics in Germany last month, La Roja cruised past Japan in the quarterfinal before finding themselves behind against Morocco, though Santi Denia’s men then staged a spirited revival as Barcelona star Fermín López levelled matters in the 66th minute before setting up substitute Juanlu Sánchez to strike a late winner. Olympic champions on home soil in 1992, Spain reached the gold-medal match at Sydney 2000. They are now trying to go one better than three years ago in Japan when they lost to Brazil and again settled for silver. López and Àlex Baena were involved in La Roja’s victory at Euro 2024, so they will ride the crest of a wave heading into another major final.
France U23 face Spain U23 at 5pm (UK time) on Friday 2nd August at Parc des Princes.
France U23 2-1 Spain U23 @ 9/1 with Bet365
Having the 12th man in Paris could pay dividends for Henry’s crew, who, unlike Spain, are unbeaten in this summer’s competition. In fact, before the semi-final, the French hadn’t conceded a single goal, and they’ve scored over 1.5 goals in all but two of their matches to date. A much-changed La Roja side lost 2-1 to Egypt, but they’ve only kept one clean sheet in their campaign.
Over 2.5 goals @ 27/20 with BetMGM
As tense as a final may be, expect goals when these sides are playing. In matches involving Spain at this summer’s Olympic Games, no fewer than 16 goals have been scored, or 3.2 per game. Moving on to France, it’s been a modest 11 strikes or just over two goals per game. Eight fixtures have produced over 2.5 goals in their combined ten games.
Jean-Philippe Mateta to score anytime @ 5/2 with SkyBet
Jean-Philippe Mateta heads into this game in excellent form, scoring in each of France’s last three tournament games (four goals).
France U23 team news
France captain Alexandre Lacazette and key playmaker Michael Olise are expected to support Jean-Philippe Mateta in attack. The rest of Henry’s team will likely remain largely unchanged, with teenage goalkeeper Guillaume Restes starting in goal behind a defensive line with Sevilla’s Loïc Badé and Castello Lukeba at the centre. There might be some changes in the midfield. Manu Kone and Enzo Millot will both rejoin the squad after serving suspensions. Kone was suspended for accumulating bookings, while Millot received a post-match red card against Argentina.
Spain U23 team news
Eric Garcia, who came close to gold three years ago, is expected to play a key role in Spain’s defence alongside Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi. Arnau Tenas will start as the goalkeeper, while Abel Ruiz will lead the attack, supported by Fermin Lopez and Manchester City’s versatile winger, Sergio Gomez.
How to watch France U23 vs Spain U23 live
France U23 face Spain U23 in the men’s Olympic games final at 5pm on Friday 9th August, with the game set to be broadcast live on Eurosport 5 and Discovery+.
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