Ukraine vs Argentina, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

Ukraine vs Argentina Match Prediction & Analysis

In their quest to reclaim the gold medal they last won in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Argentina will face off against the rising European force, Ukraine, in a decisive Group B clash. Both teams enter the match on the back of victories following opening-round defeats.

Argentina defeated Iraq 3-1, while Ukraine secured a dramatic 2-1 win over Morocco, with Igor Krasnopir scoring a 98th-minute winner. A victory for either side is crucial, as their progression to the quarterfinals may also hinge on the result of the other match and goal difference. Tuesday's encounter in Lyon will be the first meeting between the two nations at this level.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ukraine Preview

So far in the campaign, Ukraine has lost as favourites and triumphed as underdogs. In short, that has been the tale of this group, beginning with the Argentina-Morocco match. Ruslan Rotan and his side will be hoping that this trend continues on Tuesday when they face Argentina, the favourites. 

Argentina's best strengths are on the left flank, with players like Soler and Almada scurrying through the opposition's right flanks. If Ukraine can keep hold of those two, they will have a strong chance of preventing Argentina from scoring. So all eyes will be on Maksym Khlan and full-back Oleksandr Martinyuk. Both had a tremendous final match, and Martinyuk is presently the guy with the most interceptions for Ukraine in the competition. 

Meanwhile, Khlan made two important passes and three shots on goal in the previous game. There’s a forced change for Ukraine with Salyuk out due to a red card in the previous game. In that case, Rotan may start Oleksii Sych, a right-footed centre-back. 

Ukraine Probable Starting XI - Fesyun (Goalkeeper); Martynyuk, Batagov, Sych, Krupskyi (Defenders); Rubchynskyi, Mykhailenko, Bragaru, Maksym Khlan (Midfielders); Sikan, Kryskiv (Forwards)

Argentina Preview

After suffering a shock defeat to Morocco in a match filled with controversy,  Javier Mascherano fielded an eleven with minor personnel alterations and, more crucially, tactical modifications. Thiago Alameda was moved to the left flank, Medina moved to the right flank from central midfield, and Exequiel Fernandez started in centre midfield. 

The decision to shift Almada to the left made a significant difference, as he worked in tandem with Soler on the flank, creating opportunities and posing a threat to Iraq's defence. He scored a goal, made three critical passes, and had three shots on target out of five. 

Meanwhile, Fernandez's move had the greatest impact, as he was the MVP of the game with a goal, 112 touches, and five interceptions. In addition, he passed with 92% accuracy. Aside from the triumph, the main takeaway from the game was Alvarez' return to form, as he gelled well with his new teammates and assisted on Alameda's first goal.

In terms of changes, a force change is expected as a result of Lucas Beltran's injury sustained during the game against Iraq. Mascherano will most likely bring in Giuliano Simeone, the opening game's goal scorer. 

Argentina Probable Starting XI - G Rulli (Goalkeeper) ; J García, M Di Césare, N Otamendi, J Soler (Defenders); T Almada, C Medina, S Hezze, Exequiel Fernandez (Midfielders); Giuliano Simeone, J Álvarez (Forwards)

UKRAINE vs ARGENTINA
Winning Prediction

Ruslan Roton would be a worried man right now, given how well Argentina performed in the game against Iraq. Following the events of the first game, they appeared to be in imperious form. From a Ukrainian standpoint, it's all about perseverance and making the most of opportunities, like they did in the Moroccan game.. 

However, Argentina has the best xGA (expected goals against) in the competition, which implies they rarely allow teams to score. Given that, and considering Argentina's attacking prowess, we envision them to cruise to a comfortable victory on Tuesday. The leading betting sites also verify our prediction, with Argentina having 1.57 odds versus Ukraine's 4.75. In terms of goals, an average xG of 3.25 is predicted. 

Argentina U23 to Win (1-2)

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