This is another encounter of two former gold medal winners in Olympic games since professional players were allowed to take part in 1984. Mexico, the winner of 2012 edition is taking on one of the favourite, also 1984 gold medal winner. El Sombrero is ready to reclaim the medal which they lost in the previous edition as they failed to advance from the group stage. For Les Blues, this is their next appearance in the Olympic after their last one in 1996 edition.
Both teams’ latest news
Mexico U-24 manager, Jaime Lozano decides to name three over aged player, Guillermo Ochoa, Henry Martin and Luis Romo. They will be supporting their junior sides led by Real Betis winger Diego Lainez.
Meanwhile, France U-24 under Sylvain Ripoli has included three senior over aged figures, Andre Gignac, Florian Thauvin and Montpellier’s Teji Savanier. They will be helping the young stars such as the former Lyon man Lucas Tousart, AC Milan’s Pierre Kalulu, and Lyon defender Malvin Bard to shine in the tournament.
Possible tactic
Jaime Lozano might be deploying 4-3-3 formation. Diego Lainez is a definite option for the front three alongside Henry Martin and Guadalajara forward Alexis Vega. In the midfield, Luis Romo would be the anchorman accompanied by Sebastian Cordova and probably Carlos Rodriguez.
His counterpart Sylvian Ripoli is likely to be in favour of 4-2-3-1 formation. The targetman role would be given to Andrea Gignac while Florian Thauvin is featuring as the wide attacker along with Nantes man Kolo Muani, whereas Teji Savanier would be occupying the number ten role.
Players to watch
The senior figure between the sticks, Guillermo Ochoa is a warranty at the backline for a clean sheet. His international experience plus in Ligue 1 could help Mexico snatch an important win here to avoid a disappointing campaign as in Rio five years ago. Another key man to watch is certainly Diego Lainez. He could be playing on both flanks and excels at acceleration and pace.
Les Blues will certainly be counting on Florian Thauvin. The former Marseille man who just signed for Tigres would taste the Mexican football defence first here instead of in MX League. His ability on providing assists from crossing, taking set pieces and using long shots to score could be useful for France’s attack. Some other notable name to watch are surely Gignac who has experienced playing for Mexican side and Teji Savanier who excels at long shots plus has physical prowess in a duel.
Mexico vs France Prediction
El Sombrero is definitely one of the toughest contender at the group stage beside the host. It will be a tight affair although Ripoli’s man has better squad. Both sides might be sharing spoils here, probably in a goalless draw as well.
Betting odds
Les Blues seems to be the favourite here, they are priced to win at 1.93. The draw result is at the value of 3.54, which is higher than Jaime Lozano’s men odds to win, which are at 4.50.
