Uruguay vs Ivory Coast prediction: WORLD: Friendly International betting tips on match 2024-03-25 19:30.
[p]Uruguay clawed back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with a Basque Country representative team in their last game, meaning they have lost only once across their last 12 matches (W8, D3). Marcelo Bielsa’s side currently sit second in the FIFA World Cup CONMEBOL qualifiers, but will potentially be prioritising this summer’s Copa América, a tournament they have won a joint-most 15 times, albeit not since 2011.[/p]
[p]The goal conceded at the weekend was an exception of sorts, as Uruguay had kept three consecutive clean sheets, including against continental heavyweights Brazil and Argentina. They’ll need that confidence ahead of their first-ever game against Ivory Coast, as the Sky Blues have conceded in three of their last four friendlies, although given all three of those goals were conceded during the second half, expect them to remain tight in the game’s infancy.[/p]
[p]Reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions Ivory Coast are hoping to take the euphoria of their third continental title forward to end a two-campaign absence from the FIFA World Cup stage. They have a perfect record after two matchdays in qualification and will hope for positive momentum ahead of their next qualifier in June. The Elephants haven’t perhaps been as successful as that may suggest lately, winning only two of their last seven matches during regular time (D3, L2).[/p]
[p]That’s something that manager Emerse Faé, employed permanently after the AFCON win, will look to address. Conceding first has contributed to their recent struggles inside 90 minutes, as the African side have done so in six of their last seven matches. Ivory Coast could still bring their stubborn game to this neutral venue of Lens though, as they remain unbeaten across their last four friendlies (W1, D3).[/p]
[p]Players to watch: MatĂas Vecino saved Uruguay’s blushes against Basque Country, and his previous five national goals have also come in friendlies. A goal from Franck KessiĂ© could be just the tonic for Ivory Coast, as his last seven goals have come in wins for his national side, including their match-opening goal in the AFCON final.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: In five of Ivory Coast’s last six friendlies, the first goal of the game was scored within 20 minutes.[/p]