Verdict: Total goals over 3.5
Best odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
Brazil and Ivory Coast will face each other in what will be the second match of the men’s tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday, at the International Stadium Yokohama, following wins from both teams in their respective openers.
Brazil
Out of the last nine editions of the football tournament at the Olympics, Brazil took part in seven, winning six medals in the process – two silver ones, three times the bronze, and finally the gold in 2016. Their thirst for success in this sport has been extremely well documented throughout its history, and it remains strong to this day. The country is a truly fertile breeding ground for talented footballers, having produced a number of those counted among the greatest ever.
In the opening match in Japan, Brazil beat Germany by 4-2, with Richarlison producing a hat-trick within half an hour and Paulinho adding the final touch in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Germany struck back in second half through Ragnar Ache and Nadiem Amiri, but in the end it simply wasn’t enough. Brazil dominated the contest in every aspect.
Team News
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Olympique Marseille midfielder Gerson were left out of the squad, but coach Andre Jardine still has a lot of quality players to choose from. Nonetheless, he won’t have found too many reasons to change the team that started against Germany, given the performance they put in.
The Brazil team includes veteran right-back Dani Alves, the most decorated player in the history of the sport, as well as 28-year-old Sevilla defender Diego Carlos.
Ivory Coast
Having reached the final of the 2019 African Under-23 Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast certainly won’t be underestimated in this tournament. Much like Brazil, they are within one step of securing progress to the next round, though against the South American Under-23 champions, it could be a difficult task on Sunday.
The team under the command of Soualiho Haidara started the Olympics with a 2-1 triumph over Saudi Arabia. An own-goal from Saudi defender Abdulelah Al-Amri broke the deadlock in the 39th minute, but Al-Hilal winger Salem Al-Dawsari set the score level five minutes later. The game was settled in the favour of the Ivorians by a fine strike from AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie in the 66th.
Team News
Maccabi Netanya forward Aboubacar Doumbia was sent off in the final minutes of the first match, but as he started in on the bench, Haidara won’t be forced into any changes concerning his starting lineup.
Along with Kessie, Manchester United defender Eric Bailly provides experience to the team also featuring his club teammate, Amad Diallo.
Conclusion
This Ivory Coast team is unlikely to prove an easy opponent for anyone, including Brazil, but the amazing talent at Jardine’s disposal and the free-flowing game they usually play will be even more difficult to put a stop to. The South Americans are clearly the favourites here, with many believing that to be the case in terms of the whole tournament.
The game between Brazil and the Ivory Coast should be an open one with plenty of chances, and more than enough goals.
Verdict: Total goals over 3.5
Best odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Betfair
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