France U23 vs Egypt U23 predictions ahead of this clash in the men’s Olympic football tournament. Following a fiery quarter-final win, hosts France aim to move closer to gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics as they face Egypt in Monday’s second semi-final. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Olympic Games Men’s Football | Semi-Finals | Aug 5, 2024 at 5pm UK at Parc Olympique Lyonnais
France U23 vs Egypt U23 Predictions
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Can France Continue Their Dominance Against Egypt in the Semi-Finals?
Key Stats
France have kept clean sheets in all their matches so far.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has scored in his last two games.
Egypt have averaged 1 goal per game while conceding 0.5 goals per game in the tournament.
France and Egypt are set to clash in the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics, with both teams aspiring to secure a spot in the final and a chance to compete for the gold medal. This match promises to be an intriguing contest between the hosts, who have showcased formidable form throughout the tournament, and an Egyptian side that has surprised many with their resilience and determination.
Match Preview
France have been nothing short of dominant in their campaign thus far. Their journey to the semi-finals has been marked by a series of impressive performances, including a hard-fought victory against Argentina in the quarter-finals. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s early header, assisted by Michael Olise, was enough to see off the Albiceleste, despite a late disallowed goal that could have sealed the win more comfortably.
The French defence has been impregnable, maintaining a perfect record of clean sheets in all their matches. This defensive solidity, combined with their attacking prowess, has made them a formidable force. Thierry Henry’s men are intent on adding to their nation’s medal tally, and their unwavering focus has been evident in their gameplay.
On the other side, Egypt’s journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of dramatic. After topping Group C, they faced a tough quarter-final against Paraguay. An 88th-minute equaliser from Ibrahim Adel took the match to extra time and eventually to a penalty shootout, where the Pharaohs held their nerve to emerge victorious. Egypt’s path to this stage has been characterized by gritty performances and timely goals, demonstrating their ability to thrive under pressure.
Team News
France are expected to field a similar lineup to the one that triumphed over Argentina. The team is likely to be led by captain Alexandre Lacazette, with Mateta spearheading the attack. Michael Olise, who has been pivotal in France’s offensive strategy, will once again be a key player. The defence, marshalled by Loic Bade and Castello Lukeba, has been rock-solid, and teenage goalkeeper Guillaume Restes will be looking to continue his run of clean sheets.
Egypt, despite enduring a gruelling 120 minutes in their last match, are also expected to stick with their tried and tested lineup. The attacking trio of Osama Faisal, Ahmed Sayed (Zizo), and Ibrahim Adel will be crucial for their chances. In midfield, the experience of captain Mohamed Elneny will be vital in both defence and attack. The Pharaohs will need to summon all their resilience and tactical nous to stand a chance against the high-flying hosts.
Key Areas of the Field
The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of this match. France’s Manu Kone, who has been instrumental in dictating the tempo for Les Bleus, will be up against Egypt’s Elneny. The ability of both midfields to control possession and break up play will be key. Additionally, the duel between France’s Olise and Egypt’s Zizo on the wings could be decisive, with both players possessing the ability to change the game with their creativity and pace.
Expected Gameplay
Given their performances so far, France are likely to adopt a proactive approach, aiming to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Their solid defence provides a strong foundation, allowing their attackers the freedom to express themselves. In contrast, Egypt are expected to adopt a more cautious strategy, focussing on maintaining a tight defensive structure and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack.
Strengths and Weaknesses
France
Strengths:
- Defensive Solidity: Four clean sheets in as many games underscore their defensive capabilities.
- Attacking Variety: With players like Lacazette, Mateta, and Olise, France have multiple avenues to goal.
- Midfield Control: Manu Kone’s ability to control the game from midfield has been a significant asset.
Weaknesses:
- Complacency Risk: Given their dominant performances, there is a potential risk of underestimating their opponents.
- Disciplinary Concerns: Enzo Millot’s suspension due to a red card indicates potential disciplinary issues that could surface.
Egypt
Strengths:
- Resilience and Determination: Egypt’s ability to come back from difficult situations has been commendable.
- Set-Piece Threat: With players like Zizo and Adel, Egypt have shown they can capitalise on set-pieces.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent Defence: Conceding goals at critical moments could be their undoing against a strong French attack.
- Fatigue: The physical toll of their quarter-final match could impact their performance.
Managerial Analysis
Thierry Henry (France) Henry’s tenure has seen France play an attacking brand of football, with a solid defensive base. His ability to motivate and manage young talent has been impressive. However, there is a need for him to ensure his team remains focused and disciplined, especially given the stakes.
Rogerio Micale (Egypt) Micale has instilled a fighting spirit within his squad, guiding them to historic achievements. However, his tactical decisions will be under scrutiny, especially in managing the physical condition of his players after a gruelling quarter-final. Criticism could be directed towards his occasional conservative approach, which might not suffice against top-tier opponents like France.
Expected Goals Averages
France have averaged 2 goals per game in the tournament, showcasing their attacking efficiency. Their defence has been immaculate, conceding zero goals. This combination of a potent attack and a watertight defence makes them favourites.
Egypt, on the other hand, have averaged 1 goal per game while conceding 0.5 goals per game. Their matches have typically been low-scoring, relying on solid defensive work and timely goals to progress.
Betting Angles
Given the statistical trends, several potential betting angles emerge:
- France to Win to Nil: France’s defensive record suggests they are likely to keep another clean sheet.
- Low-Scoring Game: Egypt’s defensive resilience and France’s solid defence point towards a potentially low-scoring encounter.
- First Goalscorer: With Mateta’s form, backing him to score first could be a worthwhile bet.
Predictions
Best Bet: France to Win to Nil
France’s impeccable defensive record, combined with Egypt’s struggles to score consistently, makes this a solid prediction. Les Bleus have shown they can control games and prevent their opponents from finding the net. This trend is likely to continue, especially with a place in the final at stake.
Correct Score Prediction: France 2-0 Egypt
The hosts are expected to dominate proceedings and secure a comfortable victory. While Egypt have shown resilience, France’s balanced approach in attack and defence should see them through with a 2-0 win, maintaining their record of clean sheets.
Goalscorer Prediction: Jean-Philippe Mateta to Score
Mateta has been in fine form, scoring crucial goals in the last two matches. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a prime candidate to score in this match. Backing him to find the net again seems a reasonable bet.
Corner Prediction: France to Win More Corners
France’s attacking style has resulted in an average of 8.8 corners per game, highlighting their ability to pressurise their opponents. Egypt, averaging 4.5 corners per game, are likely to focus on defence, giving France more opportunities to win corners.
Innovative Market: France Over 17.3 Total Shots on Goal
France have averaged 17.3 shots per game, demonstrating their attacking intent. With their dominance expected to continue, betting on France to exceed this average could be a profitable market.
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