Ukraine vs Morocco Prediction Olympic 2024

⚽ Olympic Football Games 2024 Match Preview

⏰ 27 July 2024 - 16:00 GMT +1

🏟 Stadium: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard (Saint-Étienne)

Ukraine's excitement of their first Olympic Games appearance may have led to their 2-1 defeat against Iraq in their Group B opener, despite scoring first. They now face pressure to avoid an early exit as they prepare to face Morocco. Manager Ruslan Rotan, drawing from his 100 caps for the senior national side, will need to devise a winning strategy.

Rotan has shown his ability to bring out the best in his team, having led Ukraine to the semi-finals of last year's UEFA European Under-21 Championship and winning the Maurice Revello tournament earlier this summer. Ukrainian fans hope the loss to Iraq is just a temporary setback, and that their team can reignite the form that saw them enjoy an eight-game unbeaten run (W6, D2) prior to that defeat.

Morocco's tournament opener against Argentina ended in a dramatic 2-1 victory. They took a two-goal lead before Argentina pulled one back in the 68th minute. The game then descended into chaos when Moroccan fans invaded the pitch after a seemingly equalizing goal by Argentina in injury time.

The match was suspended and resumed two hours later behind closed doors. VAR had ruled out Argentina's equalizer for offside, granting Morocco the three points. This victory puts them in an ideal position to advance from the group stages for the first time since the Munich games in 1972, should they capitalize on this opportunity.

Where to watch Ukraine vs Morocco?

📺 Link to watch Ukraine vs Morocco Live Stream on TV

📋Players to watch:

• Dmytro Kryskiv (Ukraine): Known for early impact, having scored six of his last eight goals for Shakhtar Donetsk before half-time.
• Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco): Scored a brace against Argentina, with four of his last six goals coming after half-time.

⚡Match Facts:

• None of Morocco's last seven Olympic games have been decided by a margin of two or more goals.
• Ukraine had an eight-game unbeaten run (W6, D2) before their loss to Iraq.
• Morocco hasn't advanced from the group stages since the 1972 Munich Olympics.

💡Prediction: This match promises to be a tightly contested affair between a desperate Ukraine and a confident Morocco. Ukraine, stung by their opening loss, will likely come out aggressively, trying to secure an early advantage. However, Morocco's recent victory against Argentina will have boosted their morale significantly. Expect a cautious first half with both teams probing for weaknesses. The second half could see more open play as fatigue sets in and the need for points becomes more pressing. Morocco's experience in tight Olympic matches could prove crucial, but Ukraine's talent and determination shouldn't be underestimated. A draw seems likely, but a late goal could swing it either way.

Betting Tips:

• Draw or Morocco (Double Chance)
• Under 2.5 goals in the match
• Both teams to score
• More goals in the second half
• Soufiane Rahimi to score anytime