Ukraine vs Morocco, Olympics Football 2024, Today Match Prediction

Ukraine vs Morocco Match Prediction & Analysis

After creating history at the last FIFA World Cup, the Atlas Lions will have yet another opportunity to rewrite new chapters in their history books. On Saturday, when they meet Ukraine at Stade Geoffrey Guichard Stadium in Saint Etienne, they will have the opportunity to reach the second round of an Olympic football tournament for the first time since the 1972 Munich Olympics. 

Morocco has had this opportunity because of what happened in their opening clash. Facing an uphill battle against the favourites, Argentina, they preserved and prevailed to 2-1 win over the two time gold medalists. Soufiane Rahimi, with a brace, was the star of the match. 

Morocco may have caught all the eyeballs, but Ukraine is never to be underestimated, despite coming  off a disappointing 2-1  loss against Iraq in the opening game. The winners of the recently concluded Maurice Revello Tournament, will have a chance at making it to the next round if they beat or draw Morocco on Saturday. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Ukraine Preview

Ukraine dominated the first half against Iraq, enjoying 67% possession and registering six shots (two on target) with one big chance created. Despite their dominance, they failed to score until the seventh minute of added time. However, Iraq turned the game around in the second half, winning 61% of duels compared to Ukraine's 39% and scoring twice.

Ruslan Rotan's side performed well in many aspects but struggled to finish their chances. Facing Morocco's strong defense, Rotan will need more from his forwards, Danylo Sikan and Dmytro Krystiv. While the disappointing result might tempt him to make changes, Rotan is unlikely to panic and is expected to retain the same 4-4-2 formation and starting lineup.

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

Morocco Preview

A victory over Ukraine on Saturday would put Morocco in contention for the knockout stage. The team has enjoyed significant success in the past ten months, including winning the U23 African Cup of Nations, drawing with Belgium, and defeating Olympic champions Brazil. Coach Tarik Sektioui, appointed in February, has overseen impressive progress despite an early loss to Ukraine U21.

Morocco's midfield dominance, spearheaded by Amir Richardson and Oussama Targhalline, was crucial to their win against Argentina. This allowed Soufiane Rahimi and Bilal El Khannouss to operate freely in attack, with the latter setting up Morocco's first goal. 

The team also excelled on the right flank, where Hakimi's influence was complemented by Ilias Akhomach's impressive performance, resulting in a penalty. Tarik Sektioui is expected to maintain the 4-4-1-1 formation and starting lineup for the match against Ukraine. 

Morocco Probable Starting XI -  Mohamedi (Goalkeeper); Hakimi, El Wafi, Boukamir, Nakach (Defenders); Targhalline, Bouchouari, Richardson (Midfielders); Akhomach, Rahimi, Ezzalzouli (Forwards) 

UKRAINE vs MOROCCO
Winning Prediction

It's difficult to bet against a team that has scored two goals against Argentina, despite their incredibly low xG of -0.19—the lowest of the tournament so far. This suggests they are content to cede possession and capitalize on limited opportunities.

However, Ukraine has a history of defeating Morocco. Nevertheless, they face immense pressure to win and, as demonstrated in the second half of their previous match, can falter under pressure. On paper, Morocco appears the stronger team and is favored to win. An xG of three is projected for the match.

Ukraine to Win (2-1)

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