France vs Spain, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

France vs Spain Match Prediction & Analysis

The 28th edition of the Men's Olympics Football competition draws to its conclusion in Paris, as the two European powerhouses, France and Spain, will battle it out for the gold in the summit clash at the Parc des Princes stadium on August 9 at 9:30 p.m. IST. The final will be the teams' first meeting in the men's Olympic competition. 

On their way to the final, both teams had to rally from behind in their respective semifinal matches to book their place for the summit clash. Host France overcame Egypt 3-1 in extra time, with Mateta scoring twice and Michael Olise adding a goal. Meanwhile, after conceding in the first half, Spain defeated Egypt 2-1, thanks to Fermin Lopez's goal and assist in the 65th and 85th minutes of the game. 

On Friday in Paris, both teams will compete for their second gold medal in the men's competition—France won in Los Angeles 1984 and Spain won in Barcelona 1992—with Spain hoping to avoid repeating their second-place finishes in 2020 Tokyo, Sydney 2000, and Antwerp 1920.

TEAMS PREVIEW

France Preview

Forty years after winning gold in Pasadena, California, Les Bleus have found themselves once again at the pinnacle of Olympic football, as they are just a win away from regaining the lost gold. The French, coached by the renowned Thierry Henry and led by the seasoned Alanxandre Lacazette, had gone unbeaten up to this point. However, the record was jeopardised against Egypt in the semis, as they fell behind for the first time in the campaign despite not conceding a goal in the previous four meetings. Still, they found their groove and turned the match around with an equaliser from Mateta, before adding two more goals in extra time. 

Mateta may have scored the game-winning goal, but it was once again that man, Michael Olise, who provided an assist to bring France back into the game. In fact he has been doing that  since the first game.  He did it against the United States, where his assist broke the deadlock after an hour of play; likewise, he set up Kiliann Sildillia for a late goal that won them the game against Guinea (1-0); and finally, he helped them advance to the quarterfinals against Argentina (1-0) by setting up Mateta for the winner in the fifth minute of the game. So far, he has two goals and four assists.

Against a Spanish side that loves to keep possession, Henry's side will have to play the waiting game. More or less, it is expected to play out in similar lines as the game against Argentina, where they had only 31% possession.The game plan for Henry will be simple: strike early and sit on the lead, or explode in the end by injecting more pace into the game through someone as capable as Desire Doue (1 goal and 1 assist) running riot on the left flank. 

As far as changes are concerned, Enzo Elliot and Manu Kone are expected to be slotted back into the 11 after serving time out from the last match owing to suspensions. Meanwhile, Henry is unlikely to change his preferred formation of 4-3-1-2.

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

Spain Preview

Following their 2-1 victory over Morocco in the semifinals, La Roja has advanced to their second consecutive Olympic gold medal match. They were defeated 2-1 in extra time by Brazil the last time they appeared in the final. That team had stars such as Olmo, Pedri, Cucurella, Oyarzabal, Zubimendi, and Pau Torres. However, while this team may not be as star-studded as the last one, it does have some players that work as a cohesive unit and are capable of overcoming the favourites, France. 

For the first time in the tournament, La Roja will enter a match as the underdogs as the side lacks the depth and quality on the bench as compared to France. However, Santi Dernia will fancy his side's chances if they can finish the match in regular time. For that, he will rely largely on his midfielders, Fermin Lopez and Sergio Gomez. 

Fermin for Spain is equivalent to what Olise has been for France.Unlike Olise, Fermin has a keen eye for goals and has scored more than he has assisted. With four goals, he is tied for second place in the competition's top scorers list with Mateta. Meanwhile, Gomez, who can play on both wings, lacks the pace of Lamine Yamal or Nico Williams, but he can keep the ball and drag defenders wide, allowing his teammates to exploit the half-spaces. One of those plays from Gomez resulted in Spain's second goal against Egypt. 

However, it will all depend on Spain's ability to defend and keep Olise, Mateta, and Doue quiet. On Friday night, Cubarsi and Eric Garcia will play an important role as centre backs. In terms of changes, Santi Dernia is anticipated to stick with his starting eleven, with a 4-2-3-1 form. 

Spain Probable Starting XI - Tenas (Goalkeeper); Pubill, Cubarsi, Garcia, Miranda (Defenders); Barrios, Baena, Oroz, F. Lopez, Gomez( Midfielders); Ruiz (Forward) 

FRANCE vs SPAIN
Winning Prediction

France, backed by a roaring home crowd at the Parc des Princes, are heavy favorites to clinch Olympic gold against Spain. Their unbeaten streak and stingy defense make them the top-ranked team in the competition. While Spain is a formidable opponent, France's superior statistics and odds point to a Les Bleus victory, reclaiming their Olympic glory.

France to Win

France to Win (2-1)

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