A total of eight games are scheduled to be played at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games men’s football tournament on Sunday. Kick-off times are staggered from early morning through to the afternoon, and there’s plenty for armchair fans to get excited about. The Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony was on Friday, but the football began in midweek, and we are now onto matchday two as the groups begin to take shape.
In this preview, we focus on the fixture involving Saudi Arabia and Germany that is set for a 12:30 GMT start and will receive the live TV treatment. That’s great news for armchair fans as they prepare to follow the progress of a German team many expect to progress from the group and go on to challenge for the gold medal later this summer. How will they fare in a potential banana skin fixture against Saudi Arabia?
As Tokyo 2020 was delayed by 12 months, officials made the decision to extend the age group from under 23 to under 24, with each nation permitted to add three overage players. That should allow both teams to field a strong starting 11 with plenty of talent on the bench. Which team will gain the three points? Let’s take a closer look.
Saudi Arabia have nothing to lose
Saudi Arabia are delighted to be part of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and will feel they have nothing to lose in this fixture. All the pressure is on their opponents, with Germany hot favourites with most followers to gain three points. That allows Saudi Arabia to go out and enjoy the occasion. They can concentrate on their shape and hope to frustrate their rivals.
The longer this match is goalless, the more chance Saudi Arabia have of getting something out of the contest. They know the wealth of talent available to the German coaching staff, so it would be foolish to meet them in the middle of the park and try to match them pass for pass. Instead, the Saudis will keep it tight at the back, try to keep their composure and avoid any foolish errors.
Germany hoping to go all the way
When the teams were announced for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, many followers quickly picked Germany as the team to beat. They are certainly good enough to go all the way to the gold medal, and the pressure is now on the young guns to perform following how poorly Germany did at Euro 2020, losing to England in the early exchanges of the knockout rounds. This squad have a real chance to impress.
We’ll catch a glimpse of some rising stars of German football in this game, and they’ll all be out to make a name for themselves. If the squad can win gold in Japan, they will have a real chance of being called up to the senior squad for the World Cup in Qatar next summer. They must show they are good enough but can also deal with the pressure of being favourites.
Saudi Arabia v Germany prediction
On paper, this is a match Germany should be winning with a bit to spare, but followers of Tokyo 2020 have already seen their fair share of upsets. Saudi Arabia know the size of the task ahead of them on Sunday, but they also know their opponents are under pressure, and there will be no fans against them, trying to influence the officials. That helps create a more level playing field and should make for an interesting 90 minutes.
Olympic Games odds
The pre-match betting odds for this game available at 22bet has Saudi Arabia priced at 10 for the win with Germany trading at 1.304 and the draw 5.3. Bettors can choose from one of those three options or play one of the specials.
Other markets of note available in this game include first goalscorer, both teams to score, handicap, correct score and more. There will also be in-play betting odds for much of the 90 minutes. Bet on the game or look forward and predict the team you believe will win the gold medal.
Keep your eyes on this site for previews of the biggest matches from Tokyo 2020.
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 Saudi Arabia v Germany on 22Bet!
