Morocco U23 vs USA U23 prediction: Olympics semi-final berth up grabs in Paris
Morocco U23 and the USA U23 square off for a place in the Paris 2024 semifinals on Friday afternoon.
Morocco U23 vs USA U23 prediction: Olympics semi-final berth up grabs in Paris for grabs
Morocco U23 vs USA U23 latest prediction
Morocco advanced to the knockout stage of the Olympic men’s football tournament for the first time after a straightforward 3-0 victory over Iraq. This win led them to finish atop Group A, edging out Argentina on the head-to-head record following an unforgettable match on the first matchday.
Finishing top has enabled Morocco to avoid meeting hosts France in the quarterfinals, with supporters of the North Africans still perhaps wondering what might have been after Les Bleus denied their country a spot in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Instead, the Atlas Lions face the United States of America, whom they met in the 1972 Games in West Germany, contesting a goalless draw on that occasion.
After defeating Guinea 3-0 on Tuesday, the USA are the joint-highest scorer at this tournament and have tended to be a fast starter in France, with five of its seven goals coming in the opening 35 minutes. Marko Mitrović’s team must be cautious about the pressure and high expectations following the recent lack of success in men’s Olympic football for the Stars and Stripes.
The USA has only appeared in the semifinals once in the modern-day Olympic football format (2000), while they failed to reach four of the five following editions. In the aftermath of a difficult summer as hosts of the Copa América, during which they finished third in a group that included Bolivia and Panama, Mitrović’s team now has the opportunity to regain some much-needed national pride.
Morocco U23 face USA U23 at 2pm (UK time) on Friday 2nd August at Parc des Princes.
Morocco U23 2-1 USA U23 @ 8/1 with Bet365
The last five Olympic matches for the U.S. have each featured at least three goals. Both teams have delivered impressive performances, but Morocco should make it to the semifinals by a narrow margin. The African champions have demonstrated their skills at the U-23 level and have a strong attacking lineup.
Over 2.5 goals @ 23/25 with Unibet
Four of the United States’ last five matches have produced more than 2.5 goals. Furthermore, Morocco U23 has registered six goals across its opening three games (two per match). They managed to score three against Iraq and two against Argentina while only failing to score two (or more) goals in the 2-1 loss to Ukraine U23. However, the Atlas Lions also created many chances to score in that match, having 17 goal attempts, 61% ball possession, and 2.19 xG.
Soufiane Rahimi to score anytime @ 15/8 with Bet365
Soufiane Rahimi is the competition’s top scorer with four goals and is the only player to have netted during every matchday.
Morocco U23 team news
Morocco’s captain, Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi, will play at his home stadium.
After earning his place in the lineup following the Atlas Lions’ historic victory over Argentina, Abde Ezzalzouli is expected to be part of a forward line led by the top scorer Soufiane Rahimi, who plays for Al-Ain in the UAE.
In defence, Mehdi Boukamir and Bologna’s Oussama El Azzouzi will likely join forces again.
USA U23 team news
Head coach Mitrovic will await updates on Gianluca Busio’s recovery from a leg injury sustained during the group stage. The Venezia midfielder was absent from the USA’s game against Guinea.
Maximilian Dietz and Griffin Yow made their first tournament starts on Tuesday. However, Busio’s potential return may displace Dietz from the starting XI.
The three overage players, Djordje Mihailovic, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman, are scheduled to start. Robinson and Zimmerman have played together in central defence for either the senior team or the Olympic team 11 times so far, achieving eight wins and only one defeat.
How to watch Morocco U23 vs USA U23 live
Morocco U23 face USA U23 in their men’s Olympic games quarter-final at 2pm on Friday 2nd August, with the game set to be broadcast live on Eurosport 5 and Discovery+.
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