The Tokyo 2020 men’s football tournament began before the long-awaited and much-criticised opening ceremony of a games that looked likely to be cancelled after a 12-month postponement. The play is now well underway, however. Although fans aren’t permitted entry to the matches due to current COVID regulations in Japan, the beautiful game has provided armchair followers with entertainment. There has been no shortage of talking points, with more than a few big game upsets already included in the group results.
The play now arrives at the final match of the groups and there’s still all to play for in pools across the board. The best teams are fighting to secure pole position and a place in the knockout stages as group winners while others are battling to remain in the competition, knowing a victory is the only result that could save them. In this preview, we focus on the match involving Germany and Ivory Coast that is scheduled for a 09:00 GMT kick-off on Wednesday morning. For sports fans, this will be a fantastic start to the day.
Germany need the win to stay alive
Germany was one of the early favourites with respected pundits to win this group and progress to the competition’s latter stages. Some had them picked out to win the gold medal and showcase the talent coming through the ranks in Germany ahead of next year’s World Cup. After the senior team was disappointed at Euro 2020 this summer, the pressure was on the young guns to fire, showing they can carry the German flag into the future. However, most of the current squad still have some convincing to do. They haven’t hit top gear at Tokyo 2020 yet and are in danger of being eliminated before they do.
They open matchday three against the Ivory Coast, knowing they have to win. Anything less than victory and three points could spell the end for Germany at the Olympics. That would be a nightmare scenario for the players, coaching staff and the fans. The pressure is on this young team to stand up and be counted. They must deliver the goods and fire the team through to the knockout rounds. Only a convincing win over Ivory Coast would do to appease supporters, but the points are the most important thing in terms of progressing.
Germany shares a pool with Brazil, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia. The Samba Boys have collected four points already and are up against bottom club Saudi Arabia, a match they should win quite comfortably. That makes it a shootout between Germany and the Ivory Coast for second place.
Ivory Coast are in the mix
The Ivory Coast were foolishly overlooked by many pundits and fans making their predictions on this competition. Most believed the team were merely here to make up the numbers and would crumble under the pressure of the big two, leaving Brazil and Germany to battle for the top spot. Football at this level rarely follows a script, and Ivory Coast threw a spanner in the works. They are now on the cusp of qualifying and could even achieve that as winners of the group ahead of Brazil.
The underdogs remain unbeaten from two starts, and the four points collected puts them level with the Samba Boys and in contention for the next round. If they can get a point from this game, it’s likely they will progress as runners up, but that depends on how Brazil do against Saudi Arabia in the pool’s other match. The set-up of the group means it will be interesting for followers who will be keeping an eye on this game as well as results elsewhere—a busy start to your morning.
They started with a win over Saudi Arabia, beating the bottom club 2-1 on matchday one to set the standard. That was a game most expected them to get something from, but the players deserve credit for landing all three points. The goals that day were scored on 39 and 66 minutes before Doumbia was sent off near the end. Despite finishing with ten men, Ivory Coast were able to hold on. They followed that victory with a goalless draw against Brazil in their second game. Two red cards were shown in that match, one for each side.
Germany v Ivory Coast prediction
All the pressure is on Germany here. They know they must win this game and collect the three points if they are to progress. If they can do that, they would likely go through to the knockout stages of Tokyo 2020 behind group winners Brazil. They haven’t impressed too many followers so far, but it would be no surprise to see them get the job done here. This improving German team is certainly good enough to win.
The Ivory Coast have been impressive so far, especially in that draw last time. If they can avoid defeat in this game, they will go through to the next stage, either as pool champions or runners up behind current leaders Brazil. This is a task to avoid defeat at all costs, but they’ve had a player sent off in each of their previous two games.
The coaching staff will be eager to see the team hold their discipline for this game. Keeping 11 players on the pitch for the entire game is crucial as Germany are good enough to make them pay if they continue their unwanted run of red cards.
Tokyo 2020 odds
The pre-match betting available on this game at 22bet has Germany priced at 2.07 to win the three points. Ivory Coast are 3.52 for the victory, or you can try your luck on a draw at 3.5. Other popular match betting markets include both teams to score, handicap and total goals. There’s something to suit all styles of bettors.
Keep your eye on this page as our team previews the biggest matches from Tokyo 2020. There are some exciting previews of the final round of group games available.
Want to know more about the betting odds for the game? Check out the BTTS, Handicap, Teams to Win and other markets and bet on Germany v Ivory Coast on 22Bet!
