New Zealand vs France, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

New Zealand vs France Match Prediction & Analysis

The French will play their final encounter before their quarter-final match on Tuesday, while the outcome of this match will determine the Oly Whites' status in the competition. With one win and one loss in two games, New Zealand is presently third in the points table, trailing behind the United States with similar points. 

However, the heavy defeat against the USA (4-1) has hindered their chances of progression to the knockout stage, as they now have a goal differential of -2. Unless they beat France and Guinea wins or draws their game against the United States, the Oly Whites have little chance of progressing beyond the group stage.  

Meanwhile, France has already qualified, and Tuesday's match will be a chance to finish first in the group and maintain their unbeaten streak. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

New Zealand Preview

Having beaten Guinea in their opening game, Darren Bazeley would have seen an opportunity lay in front of his eyes, as a win or even a draw against the US would have seen them through to the knockout stages. However, they squandered the opportunity and made matters worse by allowing four goals in the US game. Now, their only opportunity is to face a side that has gone undefeated in its last seven games. 

However, Darren Bazeley would have seen that the French had struggled to score their opening goals in matches. Guinea had them wait 75 minutes, while the USA made them wait an hour in the first match. And it required exceptional brilliance from Bayern Munich's Olise to break the deadlock on both occasions. So keeping Olise quiet will be Darren Bazley's number-one task, along with scoring some goals. 

Changes are expected on Tuesday, given how poorly they performed in the USA game. Randall's impressive cameo on Saturday could earn him a place in the starting lineup, alongside Plymouth Argyle striker Waine and 22-year-old Lachlan Bayliss.

New Zealand Probable Starting XI-  Paulsen(Goalkeeper); Boxall, Surman, Bindon, Sutton(Midfielders) ; Bell, Bayliss Garbett, Singh, Herdman (Midfielders); Waine (Forward) 

France Preview

Les Bleus have won two consecutive games and have yet to concede a goal in the competition. However, the ride has been far from convincing, and they have failed to set goals at times, relying on individual brilliance. The main concern going forward would be how many chances they gave up at their end. In the game against Guinea, one of their opponents' goals was disallowed by VAR.

Despite their problems, they were able to win those games, which makes this team formidable. They have a bunch of players who can turn a match around with their individual talent. Michael Olise is the name that stands out among the group. 

In France's first match against the United States, the winger scored once and assisted Alexandre Lacazette. In their second match, he delivered yet again, setting up Kiliann Sildillia late on to earn France another three points. With 2 goals, an assist, and seven key passes (most by a French player in the competition), Olise is definitely in the race for  player of the competition. 

Given that they have already qualified, Thierry Henry may consider resting some players, but their primary goal is to finish first in the group. So no changes are expected in the starting 11.

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

NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE
Winning Prediction

The odds are stacked against New Zealand to win this match, just as they were in their encounter against Guinea. However, France is a different proposition, boasting a talented squad capable of turning the game on its head in an instant. 

The Oly Whites' best chance would be if Thierry Henry rested some players, but even France's bench is brimming with talent. Given the disparity in squad quality and current form, it seems likely that the Oly Whites' adventure will end on Tuesday night in Marseille.

France U-23 to Win (0-3)

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW