Argentina U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions

Argentina U23 vs Morocco U23 predictions ahead of this clash at the Olympic Football tournament. Argentina face Morocco in their Paris 2024 Group B opener on Wednesday at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Olympic Games Men’s Football | Jul 24, 2024 at 2pm UK at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

Argentina U23 vs Morocco U23 Predictions

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Can Argentina’s Under-23s Outshine Morocco in Their Olympic Opener?

The Men’s Olympic Football Tournament at the Paris 2024 Games kicks off on Wednesday afternoon as Argentina face Morocco in their opening Group B match at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne. Both teams, with high aspirations, are set to deliver an exciting contest, with Argentina aiming to replicate the success of their senior team, while Morocco looks to build on their impressive run to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

Contrasting Preparations and Aspirations

Argentina are gearing up for their 10th appearance at the Olympics, looking to improve on their performance at Tokyo 2020, where they failed to advance from the group stage. Managed by Javier Mascherano, a former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder and two-time Olympic gold medalist, Argentina are among the favourites to triumph in Paris. Mascherano’s experience and leadership are crucial as Argentina seek to continue South America’s dominance in the Olympic football tournament.

Morocco, meanwhile, are making their eighth appearance in the Olympic tournament, their first since London 2012. They qualified by winning the 2023 Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations but underwent a managerial change in March when Issame Charai was replaced by Tarik Sektioui. Despite the transition, Morocco are ranked as the fourth favourites to win gold in Paris, aiming to surpass their 1972 second-round appearance.

Expected Lineups and Tactical Insights

Argentina’s Potential Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Rulli
• Defenders: Lujan, Di Cesare, Otamendi, Amione
• Midfielders: Almada, Hezze, Medina
• Forwards: Zenon, Alvarez, Simeone

Argentina’s lineup features a mix of youth and experience, highlighted by World Cup winners Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi, and Thiago Almada. Otamendi’s presence in defence provides stability, while Alvarez, who scored 17 goals for Manchester City last season, leads the attack. Mascherano’s team is expected to play with high intensity, focusing on controlling the midfield and creating chances through their technically gifted players.

Morocco’s Potential Starting Lineup:

• Goalkeeper: Mohamedi
• Defenders: Hakimi, El Wafi, Boukamir, Nakach
• Midfielders: Targhalline, Bouchouari, Richardson
• Forwards: Akhomach, Rahimi, Ezzalzouli

Morocco’s lineup is bolstered by Paris Saint-Germain’s Achraf Hakimi, who will play a key role at right-back. The Atlas Lions’ strategy revolves around quick transitions and utilising Hakimi’s pace down the flank. With players like Bouchouari and Ezzalzouli, Morocco will look to exploit any defensive lapses from Argentina.

Key Areas and Player Duels

The midfield battle will be pivotal in this match, with Argentina's Thiago Almada and Morocco's Benjamin Bouchouari expected to play crucial roles. Almada's creativity and vision will be essential for Argentina, while Bouchouari's ability to break up play and launch counter-attacks could be key for Morocco.

In defence, the duel between Argentina's Otamendi and Morocco's Ezzalzouli will be interesting to watch. Otamendi's experience and physicality will be tested against Ezzalzouli's speed and dribbling skills. Up front, Julian Alvarez's movement and finishing will challenge Morocco's defence, particularly the partnership of El Wafi and Boukamir.

Hakimi providing width and pace, and Ezzalzouli and Akhomach ready to exploit any gaps, Morocco could pose a significant threat on the break. Their challenge will be maintaining defensive discipline and avoiding the lapses that have seen them lose three of their last five games.

Gameplay Predictions

Argentina are likely to dominate possession, using their midfield to control the tempo and create scoring opportunities. Their approach will focus on breaking down Morocco's defence through intricate passing and off-the-ball movement. However, their recent friendly defeat to Guinea suggests potential vulnerabilities, particularly if they struggle to convert their dominance into goals.

Morocco will aim to stay compact defensively and hit Argentina on the counter-attack. With Hakimi providing width and pace, and Ezzalzouli and Akhomach ready to exploit any gaps, Morocco could pose a significant threat on the break. Their challenge will be maintaining defensive discipline and avoiding the lapses that have seen them lose three of their last five games.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Argentina's Strengths:

• Technical Ability: The squad boasts several players with high technical skills, particularly in midfield and attack.
• Experience: The presence of World Cup winners provides valuable big-game experience.
• Managerial Leadership: Mascherano's leadership and tactical acumen are significant assets.

Argentina's Weaknesses:

• Defensive Frailties: Recent results indicate potential vulnerabilities at the back.
• Pressure: The high expectations could weigh heavily on the young players.

Morocco's Strengths:

• Pace and Counter-Attacking Threat: Players like Hakimi and Ezzalzouli provide speed and directness.
• Team Cohesion: Despite managerial changes, the squad has shown resilience and cohesion.

Morocco's Weaknesses:

• Inexperience on the Big Stage: The pressure of the Olympic stage could impact their performance..
• Defensive Inconsistencies: Their backline has been prone to lapses, particularly against higher-level opposition.

Managerial Critique

Javier Mascherano's inexperience as a manager at this level could be a concern. While he has been successful with Argentina's youth sides, the pressure and tactical demands of the Olympics are a different challenge. His ability to adapt and make in-game adjustments will be crucial.

Tarik Sektioui, although relatively new in his role, brings a fresh approach to Morocco. However, his tactical decisions and squad selections have raised questions. His reliance on key players like Hakimi could backfire if they fail to perform.

Predictions

Best Bet: Argentina to Win Argentina's superior talent and technical ability should see them secure a victory. Their midfield control and attacking options are likely to prove too much for Morocco.

Correct Score Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Morocco Aligning with the best bet, a 3-1 scoreline reflects Argentina's attacking prowess and Morocco's potential to score on the counter.

Goalscorer Prediction: Julian Alvarez to Score Julian Alvarez's goal-scoring record and form make him a strong candidate to find the net in this match. His movement and finishing ability will be crucial for Argentina.

First Half Result: Argentina to Lead at Half-Time Given their tendency to start matches strongly, Argentina are likely to take an early lead, leveraging their superior midfield control and attacking threat.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target - Argentina Over 5.5 Considering Argentina's attacking lineup and their ability to create chances, they are likely to register a high number of shots on target. This market offers good value given their offensive potential.

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