France vs Egypt, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

France vs Egypt Match Prediction & Analysis

The hosts, France, is one step closer to hosting the Olympics men's football final in Paris as they face Egypt in the second semifinal. This will also mark the first meeting between the teams at this level. 

Heading into the clash, Les Bleus appear to be the stronger team on paper, having reached the semifinals undefeated without conceding any goals. In the quarterfinals, they overcame Argentina with a solitary goal from veteran Mateta in the fifth minute of the game. 

Similarly, Egypt are unbeaten in the tournament and topped their group by beating Spain in their last group match. On their way to the semis, the Pharaoh's defeated Paraguay 5-4 in penalties after the match yielded a 1-1 result in the regular time.  Monday's semifinal will be France's first appearance in the Final Four since the 1984 Olympics, while Egypt will be making their first semi since 1964.

TEAMS PREVIEW

France Preview

Thierry Henry's side has stumbled across their biggest obstacle in this competition till date as they defeated Argentina, one of the favourites, in the 2nd semifinal in the city of Bordeaux. The match wasn't friendly given the recent history between the teams, as scuffles broke out all over the pitch, after the final whistle was blown. In the meantime, France’s midfielder, Enzo Millot, was shown a red card in the scuffle and will miss Monday's clash. Nevertheless, victory was ensured thanks to a header from Mateta in the fifth minute of the game via a cross from his former teammate at Crystal Palace, Michael Olise. 

Michael Olise has indeed been the go-to man for the French side in the competition. In the opening match against the USA, it was  his assist to Lacazette that broke the deadlock between the teams after an hour’s play. Similarly, he set up Kiliann Sildillia for a late goal that won them the game against Guinea (1-0) and helped them qualify for the knockout stages. 

Overall, Olise has one goal, three assists from three games, and found a place in the team of the week twice. Given his consistent performances throughout the tournament, Henry will once again expect nothing less than 100% from the Bayern star on Monday. 

In terms of tactics, Henry has to contend with one forced change, as Enzo Millot will miss out due to suspension. From the looks of it, Akliouche or Desire Doue, who scored against New Zealand, could come into the 4-3-1-2 formation. 

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

Egypt Preview

In some ways, luck has played a significant part in Egypt’s journey to the semis. Like how it played a part in the wins over Uzbekistan and Spain in group matches. In the Uzbekistan game, the Uzbek fullback's unintentional play of knocking the ball onto the foot of Ahmed Nabil Koka led to the winner, while they got a deflated Spanish side in the must-win group game. Nevertheless, the Pharaoh's will be high on confidence after beating Paraguay from a goal down in the quarterfinal and finally making it into the final four for the first time in six decades. 

Like Olise for France, Ibrahim Adel has been the standout performer for Egypt in the competition. Adel was named player of the tournament in the U23 African Cup of Nations and has scored three of the Pharaohs' four goals in the competition. Interestingly, assists to two of his three goals was made by Zizo. In addition to the assists, the Zamalek winger has made 12 key passes in the competition, the most by an Egyptian player. If Egypt were to win the game by goals, these two would have played a great game. 

However, against a team that hasn't conceded a goal in the whole competition, it will be tough for Adrl Ibrahim. Thus, it will all come down to how the Egyptian defence handles the trio of Lacazette, Mateta, and Michael Olise. As a result, all eyes will be on Egypt’s centre backs, Omar Fayed and Hossam Abdelmaguid, along with the impressive full-back Koka, to tackle the attacking threat of France. Despite playing full 120 minutes in the previous match, Rogerio Micale is unlikely to make any changes to the starting 11 that played the quarterfinal against Paraguay. 

Egypt  Probable Starting XI - Alaa (Goalkeeper); Fayed, Abdelmeguid, Eid, El-Debes (Defenders); Elneny; Shehata, Kouka (Midfielders); Zizo, Faisal, Adel (Forwards) 

FRANCE vs EGYPT
Winning Prediction

When two undefeated teams go up against each other in a knockout match, usually one expects it to be an even contest. However, in this instance, France are overwhelming favourites for the clash on Monday. In terms of stats, the French lead Egypt in goals scored ( 7-4), goals conceded ( 0-2) and assists (5-2). However, there is one stat where Egypt has had an advantage over France: duels won per game. Egypt has won 53.8% of duels to France's 49%.

Regardless, the stat that will worry Micale more will be the xG vs. Actual (goals expected to goals scored). With a number in negative digits, Egypt has got the worst xG vs. Actual of the four teams remaining in the competition. In short, if the French defence can neutralise Ibrahim Adel, the Pharaoh's are unlikely to score. On top of that, the French have been on an unbeaten run of nine games with seven wins and two draws. 

According to odds from most betting sites, France is the favourite to win against Egypt on Monday. As per a popular betting site, the French are tipped to win at 1.33 against Egypt’s 10. As our prediction goes, we expect a comprehensive win for Les Bleus. 

France U-23 to Win (2-0)

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