Group D in the Olympic games gets underway on Thursday evening, as two in-form sides look to create a surprise again two of the world’s heavyweights in Tokyo. Germany and Brazil make up the group, but a perfect start for either Ivory Coast or Saudi Arabia could give them an excellent chance of reaching the next round.
Men’s Olympic Football Preview
Ivory Coast will be one of the nations representing Africa at the Olympics for the first time since 2008. On that occasion, they were knocked out of the competition in the quarterfinal stages, as Peter Odemwingie was among the scorers in a 2-0 victory. However, they come into the Games this summer in excellent form. The Ivory Coast have won three of their last four games. The only game that they didn’t win was a 0-0 draw against Ghana. Soualiho Haidara has an extremely strong squad for the Games this summer, as there is talent all over the pitch. Eric Bailly will anchor the defence, while AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will be at the heart of everything the team does. Creative flair is added by Manchester United’s Amad Diallo and Max Gradel on the other flank.
Saudi Arabia also come into the Olympics in the best possible for, as they have won all five games that they have played since March. During this period, they have scored a remarkable 15 goals and haven’t conceded once. However, they will be coming up against a much more talented opposition than they are used to. Previously they have only beaten nations such as Singapore, Palestine and Yemen. Every member of the 22-man squad play their club football in Saudi Arabia, with the three over-age players being Salem Al-Dawsari, Salem Al-Faraj and Yasser Al-Shahrani.
Ivory Coast vs Saudi Arabia Head to Head
This will be a historic meeting between Saudi Arabia and the Ivory Coast, as it will be the first time that they have ever met in any capacity. Both nations will be hopeful of getting the first win in this fixture.
Ivory Coast vs Saudi Arabia Prediction
Saudi Arabia could find the Olympics a bit of a struggle, as they have a weaker squad than every other participating nation. Ivory Coast have the tools to go far in Tokyo this summer and they should get off to a winning start on Thursday.
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