Brazil Under-23s face Ivory Coast Under-23s in Yokohama on Sunday after both teams won their opening games in midweek. So, here is our first Tokyo Olympics 2020 football prediction – Brazil vs Ivory Coast.
Last time out, the South American Under-23 champions easily defeated Germany. Richarlison surpassed every football prediction to score a hat-trick for Brazil.
At the same time, as we covered in live football then, the Ivorians humiliated outsiders Saudi Arabia.
Team news
Brazil
- Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and Marseille newcomer Gerson withdrew from the squad prior to departure. Nonetheless, Brazil has a deep and versatile squad to choose from.
- However, head coach Andre Jardine is likely to stick with the starting lineup from the first game.
- Matheus Cunha had a penalty saved in first-half stoppage time against Germany. As his team had to settle for a three-goal lead at the break, he also missed other chances. But yet, he will almost certainly start again.
- Finally, Richarlison will be supported by any two of Paulinho, Antony, and ex-Barcelona winger Malcom in their usual 4-3-3 formation.
Brazil Under-23s possible starting lineup: Santos; Alves, Carlos, Nino, Guilherme; Luiz, Guimaraes, Claudinho; Paulinho, Richarlison, Cunha
Ivory Coast
- Meanwhile, Ivory Coast will make at least one change, because Maccabi Netanya forward Aboubacar Doumbia quit the pitch last time. He was sent off late in the second half of their win over Saudi Arabia. So, he will miss out on a spot on the bench while serving a suspension.
- The starting XI, on the other hand, should remain unchanged.
- Manchester United teenager Amad Diallo will likely keep his spot on the right flank.
- Meanwhile, Max Gradel will target any space left by Dani Alves’ raiding runs on the opposite side.
Ivory Coast Under-23s possible starting lineup: Tape; Singo, Bailly, Dabila, I. Diallo; A. Diallo, I. Doumbia, Kessie, Eboue, Gradel; Kouame
Football Prediction – Brazil vs Ivory Coast
- Brazil has qualified for seven of the last nine Olympic football competitions. They’ve claimed two bronzes, three silvers, and finally gold at Rio 2016.
- As self-appointed guardians of the beautiful game, therefore, they take their quest for medals very seriously.
- The team they defeated in the final five years ago was once again their opposition. For the defending champions’ first match of this summer’s Games, they were up against Germany on Thursday. And the Selecao repeated the result – though this time without the use of penalties.
Unsurprisingly, given their abundance of attacking talent, Brazil cannot stop scoring right now.
So, even a capable Ivory Coast team will struggle to keep them at bay for a full 90 minutes.
In fact, the Selecao should score at least twice. After all, their deep bench is capable of providing fresh impetus if any of the front three falters/loses form.
So, Brazil can almost guarantee a place for themselves in the quarter-finals.
