Japan vs Paraguay Prediction Olympic 2024

⚽ Olympic Football Games 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 24 July 2024 - 18:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Matmut Atlantique (Bordeaux)

Japan has qualified for a record-breaking eighth successive Olympic Games, but faces challenges as they head to Paris. Star players like Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo and Parma's Zion Suzuki have been prevented from participating by their clubs. As a result, Go Oiwa has named an 18-man squad without a single over-23 player, with national team director Masakuni Yamamoto describing the selection process as "difficult".

The Samurai Blues secured their Olympic spot by defeating Uzbekistan 1-0 in the final of this year's AFC under-23 Asian Cup. They boast a decent Olympic pedigree, having finished third in 1968 and fourth twice, including as hosts three years ago when they lost 3-1 to Mexico in the bronze-medal match.

Paraguay, on the other hand, is making their first Olympic appearance since Athens 2004, where they finished as runners-up after losing 1-0 to Argentina in the final. Ironically, they beat Japan 4-3 in their opening group encounter that year. La Albirroja qualified for Paris by winning the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament.

However, Paraguay's recent form has been concerning, including a shock 2-1 loss to the Dominican Republic in March. Managed by Carlos Jara Saguier, they do have experience on their side, featuring 36-year-old goalkeeper Gatito Fernández of Botafogo and Dynamo Moscow defender Fabián Balbuena, who has 45 senior caps and over 50 English Premier League appearances.

Where to watch Japan vs Paraguay?

📺 Link to watch Japan vs Paraguay Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Mao Hosoya (Japan): Striker with a perfect record of wins in competitive U23 internationals when he scores, often accompanied by clean sheets.
• Diego Gómez (Paraguay): Inter Miami player and joint-top scorer at the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic tournament with five goals.

⚡Match Facts:

• Japan has lost only one of their last nine group matches at the Olympic Games (W6, D2).
• This is Paraguay's first Olympic appearance since 2004.
• Japan is participating in their eighth consecutive Olympic Games.

💡Prediction: Despite Japan's impressive Olympic record and recent success in youth tournaments, their squad limitations due to club restrictions could prove challenging. Paraguay's experience and the scoring threat of Diego Gómez may give them an edge. However, Japan's consistency in group stages and Mao Hosoya's impact when scoring cannot be overlooked. Expect a closely contested match with both teams showing caution initially. Japan's teamwork and familiarity might compensate for their lack of star power, while Paraguay's individual talents could create moments of brilliance. The game could likely end in a draw, with both teams finding the net.

Betting Tips:

• Draw
• Both teams to score
• Under 2.5 goals in the match
• Mao Hosoya to score anytime
• Diego Gómez to score or assist