Prediction: Brazil U23 vs Spain U23

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet

With an Olympic gold medal up for grabs this weekend, Brazil and Spain will face-off at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama on Saturday lunchtime.

Brazil U23

Starting with Brazil, while The Yellows might not have been at their best earlier in the week, André Jardine’s side did manage to extend on their Olympic adventure from the penalty spot. Eventually coming past what was a sluggish Mexico outfit in the semi-finals, the Seleção have largely impressed many this summer. Looking to make even more history after Neymar’s heroics in Rio five years ago, the South American giants know that they’re now just one win away from making it back-to-back gold medals. Opening up their Group D run a fortnight ago with a thumping 4-2 victory against 2016 silver medalists Germany, Jardine’s young squad find a 0-0 stalemate against the Ivory Coast on July 25th as the only minor blip on their record this summer. Along with attacking talisman and Everton ace Richarlison enjoying his own free-scoring run at the Olympic Games, it should also be noted that Brazil have conceded just a single goal in their last four outings.

Team News

Not missing a minute of action at this summer’s Olympic Games, former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves will lead Brazil out on Saturday afternoon.

Still dealing with a thigh issue after missing the semi-finals, Brazil are still sweating over the fitness of Hertha Berlin ace Matheus Cunha.

Spain U23

As for Spain, also managing to just about scrape their way past Japan in what was a nervy affair earlier in the week, La Roja find themselves in a very similar situation to the defending Olympic champions. Eventually coming past the home nation thanks to Marco Asensio’s extra-time winner, the European heavyweights have made the trip over to Tokyo this summer with a squad stacked with big-name stars. However, while Spain might have their sights set on claiming their first gold medal since the Barcelona Games in 1992, they have struggled to find top gear with much stability throughout this year’s delayed tournament. Opening up their Group C run with a shock 0-0 stalemate against Egypt in Sapporo, The Reds have remarkably managed to win just one of their five Olympic matchups this summer within normal time. Making the trip to the Nissan Stadium this weekend to feature in their third Olympic final, Spain will be hoping for a far more polished display.

Team News

Coming off the bench and bagging the winner against Japan earlier in the week, Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio is pushing for a starting position this weekend.

With a star-studded squad, the likes of Pau Torres, Eric Garica, Dani Olmo and Pedri all look set to feature again in Saturday’s final.

Key Factors to Consider

• This is the first time that Saturday’s opponents have faced off at the Olympic Games since 1976.
• Spain have remarkably managed to win just one of their five matchups this summer within 90 minutes.
• Brazil have conceded just a single goal in any of their last four matchups.
• Everton ace Richarlison leads the race for this summer’s Golden Boot with five strikes.
• Only one of La Roja’s five Olympic contests have seen over 2.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

While both Brazil and Spain might boast a squad that is glittering with star names this weekend, we could have another cagey affair on our hands at the Nissan Stadium. With both sides booking a gold medal showdown in Yokohama after scrapping their way past Mexico and host nation Japan earlier in the week, goals could come at a real premium on Saturday lunchtime. With La Roja remarkably winning just one of their five Olympic contests this summer within normal time, it should also be noted that Brazil have gained a reputation for their rugged displays at the back. Shipping just a single goal in any of their last four contests, we’re backing what might be a nervy meeting here.

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: Unibet