New Zealand Ol. vs France Ol. prediction: WORLD: Olympic Games betting tips on match 2024-07-29 17:00.
[p]After beating Guinea 2-1 on matchday one, it looked like New Zealand were well on their way to qualifying from Group A in the 2024 Olympics men’s football competition. But as quickly as spirits would have risen through the camp, those were soon extinguished as Darren Bazeley’s side were put to the sword by the USA in their second outing, losing 4-1 as they struggled against superior quality across the field. [/p]
[p]That result will have set alarm bells ringing ahead of a final group-phase showdown with hosts France then, as New Zealand must avoid defeat and hope USA stumble in order to reach the quarter-finals for a second successive Olympics. Keeping a surprise clean sheet will help them at least hold up their end of the bargain, while the OlyWhites have only ever scored more than one goal on two occasions in their prior 12 tournament fixtures. [/p]
[p]While New Zealand stutter, France continue to dominate the group phase of this competition as Thierry Henry’s side followed up their 3-0 success over the USA on matchday one with a 1-0 victory over Guinea in Nice on Saturday. An emphatic Kiliann Sildillia header proved enough for the three points as the hosts have almost sealed their qualification to the knockout stage. [/p]
[p]Henry & Co will now have one eye on plotting Les Bleus’ route to gold-medal success for just the second time after the 1984 Games in Los Angeles. Interestingly though, his side this time round have already amassed more group-stage points than on that prior occasion with a match to spare, which should be a good omen, while their seven-game unbeaten run across 2024 (W5, D2) underlines why they are the favourites to triumph on home soil. [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Ben Waine netted New Zealand’s winner on matchday one against Guinea and has five goals in his last five international appearances. France’s Michael Olise has wowed crowds so far at this tournament, recording three goal contributions (G1, A2) while receiving both Flashscore Man of the Match awards in the process. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: France have recorded 7+ corners in both their games at the 2024 Olympics so far. [/p]
[p][i]Written by Nathan Evans[/i][/p]