Verdict: Ivory Coast U23 double chance
Best Odds: 5/7
Bookmaker: Unibet
Two nations who are looking to extend on their Olympic adventure out in Japan, Germany and the Ivory Coast will meet at the Miyagi Stadium in Rifu on Wednesday morning.
Germany U23
Starting with Germany, after opening this summer’s delayed Olympic Games with a dreadful display against defending champions Brazil, the 2016 silver medalists would have been glad to have got their first victory on the board. Opening up their Group D run with a 4-2 drumming at the hands of the South American giants, Stefan Kuntz’s side just about managed to avoid what would have been a real banana skin over the weekend. Eventually watching Augsburg’s Felix Uduokhai bag a late winner in their action-packed 3-2 victory against Saudi Arabia, The Whites did once again show a host of issues at the back. Watching central defender Amos Pieper get shown a straight red after his nightmare opener against Brazil, Germany have now shipped six goals in their back-to-back Group D contests. Failing to find much form this summer, Kuntz’s young squad will be hoping to have saved their best for last on Wednesday morning.
Team News
Shown a straight red card against Saudi Arabia over the weekend, young central defender Amos Pieper will miss Germany’s final Group D contest on Wednesday.
However, after serving a suspension on Sunday, skipper Maximilian Arnold could be set for an immediate recall to Stefan Kuntz’s midfield.
Ivory Coast U23
As for the Ivory Coast, while they might have opened this summer’s Olympic Games as a real outside pick to find a route out of Group D, Les Éléphants find themselves sat in pole position. Making the trip to the Miyagi Stadium knowing that even a single point would be enough for them to extend on their adventure, the young African outfit put in a rugged display last time out. Up against a 10-man Brazil side that were still flying high, The Reds hung on for what was a deserved 0-0 stalemate against the defending gold medalists. Opening up their tournament with a 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia on July 22nd, Ivory Coast also have a few notable names in their squad. Along with Manchester United defender Eric Bailly, it is worth keeping an eye out for midfield talisman, Franck Kessie. Bagging the winner against Saudi Arabia last week, the AC Milan star also signed off his Serie A campaign with three goals in as many outings.
Team News
Shown a straight red card only minutes after coming off the bench last week, Aboubacar Doumbia will serve a suspension on Wednesday.
Finding the net against Saudi Arabia in their Group D opener, AC Milan’s Franck Kessie will spearhead the Ivory Coast’s charge from midfield.
Key Factors to Consider
- Ivory Coast know that a single point on Wednesday morning will be enough to secure their spot in the knockout stage.
- Germany have conceded six goals in their opening two Group D contests.
- Likewise, the Germans have registered 17 shots on target against them so far.
- The African outfit have conceded just a single strike so far this summer.
- AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie signed off his Serie A campaign with three goals in as many outings.
Conclusion
While Germany might open Wednesday’s meeting as a standout pick with the bookmakers, the Ivory Coast should be smelling a chance to spring a real upset. Knowing that a single point will be enough for them to secure a spot in the knockout stage, they have largely impressed so far this summer. Hanging onto what was a gritty point against 2016 gold medalists Brazil last time out, the African side also have some notable names in their squad. Up against a Germany side that have really shown a host of worrying defensive issues so far this summer, don’t be surprised to see The Reds extend on their Olympic summer this week.
Verdict: Ivory Coast U23 double chance
Best Odds: 5/7
Bookmaker: Unibet
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