Argentina vs Iraq Prediction Olympic 2024

⚽ Olympic Football Games 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 27 July 2024 - 14:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Parc Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon)

To say that Argentina's opening match at the 2024 Olympics in Paris was eventful would be an understatement. The South American nation lost 2-1 to Morocco in one of football's most controversial fixtures in recent memory. After trailing by a goal heading into second-half stoppage time, Cristian Medina seemingly equalized in the 106th minute. However, fans stormed the pitch, forcing a temporary suspension of the game.

Officials eventually restored order, and the players returned nearly two hours later to an empty stadium. VAR then ruled out the goal for offside, and the final three minutes were played, with Morocco securing a 2-1 victory. Argentina coach Javier Mascherano now faces the challenge of rallying his side quickly before their crucial clash with Iraq on matchday two.

Iraq, on the other hand, made a much better start to their 2024 Olympics campaign. They narrowly beat Ukraine 2-1 on Wednesday, despite being substantial underdogs. Radhi Shenaishil's side came from a goal down to claim a priceless win, reigniting dreams of qualification from Group B – a feat they haven't achieved since 2004.

Considering Iraq has only ever won one Olympic medal across any sport (a bronze at Rome 1960), the challenge ahead is formidable, especially with a matchup against Argentina looming. However, they can draw inspiration from their 2016 Olympic campaign, where they secured a point against eventual gold medalists Brazil.

Where to watch Argentina vs Iraq?

📺 Link to watch Argentina vs Iraq Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Giuliano Simeone (Argentina): Scored in the opening match, following in his father Diego Simeone's footsteps from the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
• Ali Jasim (Iraq): Scored against Ukraine, bringing his tally to seven goals in his last eight international appearances.

⚡Match Facts:

• Just one of Iraq's last four Olympic matches have seen a goal scored in the first half.
• Argentina is at risk of a third successive group stage exit at the Olympics.
• Iraq hasn't qualified from their Olympic group since 2004.

💡Prediction: Argentina, stung by their controversial opening loss, will come out with renewed determination against Iraq. Despite Iraq's surprising victory over Ukraine, Argentina's superior talent and experience at major tournaments should prove decisive. Expect Argentina to dominate possession and create numerous chances, with their attacking prowess likely to overwhelm Iraq's defense. However, Iraq's confidence from their opening win could see them put up a strong fight, potentially scoring on the counter-attack. The match should be competitive, but Argentina's quality should shine through in the end, securing a crucial victory to keep their Olympic hopes alive.

Betting Tips:

• Argentina to win and both teams to score
• Over 2.5 goals in the match
• Giuliano Simeone to score anytime
• Argentina to win by a one-goal margin
• First half to have fewer goals than the second half