France vs Argentina, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

France vs Argentina Match Prediction & Analysis

In the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash, hosts France will face two-time Olympic gold medalists Argentina on August 3  at the Matmut Atlantique stadium in Bordeaux. Notably, this will be the first meeting between the two teams at this level. Les Bleus were among the pre-tournament favorites to win gold and have lived up to expectations. They have won all their group matches without conceding a single goal, most recently defeating New Zealand 3-0.

Argentina, on the other hand, finished second in their group despite matching Morocco's points and goal difference. However, a 2-1 defeat to Morocco in their opening match determined the group standings based on head-to-head records. The winner of this match will advance to the final, where they will face the victor of the Egypt-Paraguay match in the second semifinal scheduled for July 6. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

France Preview

Les Bleus are just three wins away from repeating their gold medal triumph from the 1984 Olympics. Given how they've performed thus far, it appears that gold is within sight. However, the French have not won a knockout match at the Olympics since 1984, and Argentina, the two-time Olympic champion, stands in their way. With nearly 40,000 fans in attendance on Friday night at the Matmut Atlantique stadium cheering them on, Thierry Henry's team will believe they can overcome the Argentinian hurdle. 

This team, like their senior national team, relies heavily on their bench strength. It came to the forefront in their final group game against New Zealand. In the game, Henry benched eight of his starting eleven, including Olise, Lacazette, BadeBade, and Sildillia. Yet they trounced the Olympic Whites 3-0, with goals from Mateta, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Desire Doue. Nonetheless, Kalimuendo and Doue will need to make room for Lacazette and Michael Olise. Both of these players have had an excellent tournament, with Michael Olise registering two assists, one goal, and nine key passes thus far. 

In the game against New Zealand, Henry opted for a 3-4-1-2 formation, but he is expected to revert to his customary 4-3-1-2 shape, with Olise as a CAM and Lacazette and Mateta spearheading the charge from the front. 

France Probable Starting XI - Restes (Goalkeeper); Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert(Defenders); Akliouche, Kone, Chotard, Olise (Midfielders); Lacazette, Mateta (Forwards) 

Argentina Preview

La Albiceleste, like France, last reached the quarterfinals in 2008, the same year they clinched their last gold medal. They have a strong quarterfinal record, winning four out of five matches, with their sole defeat coming against Brazil in 1988. Interestingly, coach Javier Mascherano was a team member during Argentina's previous gold medal triumph.

Argentina holds a significant advantage over France heading into Friday's match. Five players—Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, Geronimo Rulli, and Thiago Almada—were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad, and three of them—Alvarez, Otamendi, and Rulli—also contributed to the 2024 Copa America victory. 

In contrast, Les Bleus have no representatives from their 2022 World Cup final team. This experience of playing in high-stakes matches could be a decisive factor against a formidable opponent like France. Moreover, Argentina boasts a promising young core, including Thiago Almada (2 goals, 1 assist, 8 key passes), Claudio Echeverri (1 goal, 1 assist-creating action), and Ezequiel Fernandez (2 goals, 1 assist), who have complemented the experienced players brilliantly.

Regarding lineup changes, Lucas Beltran is expected to return to the starting eleven, partnering with Alvarez upfront in Mascherano's preferred 4-4-2 formation. He missed the Ukraine match due to injury, and his return would mean Giuliano Simeone dropping to the bench.

Argentina Probable Starting XI - Rulli(Goalkeeper); Lujan, Otamendi, Di Cesare, Soler (Defenders); Simeone, Fernandez, Medina, Almada (Midfielders); Beltran, Alvarez (Forwards)

FRANCE vs ARGENTINA
Winning Prediction

A statistical comparison of the two teams reveals striking similarities across most metrics. The only notable difference is France's impeccable defensive record, having conceded no goals in the competition. Both teams possess comparable expected goals (xG) and expected goals against (xGA) figures, ranking second and third overall behind Spain. The data suggests a closely contested match, yet betting odds favor France at 2.20 compared to Argentina's 3.30. Given France's recent unbeaten streak of seven games, this is unsurprising. Considering all factors, we predict a victory for France, securing their first semifinal appearance since 1984.

France U-23 to win (2-1)

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