France u23 vs Japan u23 Prediction for Wednesday’s Olympic games clash at Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama. Having three points from a win and a defeat, France play against hosts and group leaders Japan in search of at least a point to advance to the knockout stages. Follow on for our free prediction and betting tips.
France u23 still with a lot of work to do to stay in the competition
France are appearing in their ninth Olympic games having won the Gold medal once in 1984. They have also won the Silver medal in 1900. France were absent from the previous five editions. It wasn’t the best of comebacks in Tokyo as they lost their opening match to Mexico 4-1.
In their second match, Les Bleus were close to having the same fate and be eliminated from the group stage after trailing by 3-2 against South Africa until the 86th minute. Coach Ripoli’s team didn’t give up though and scored two late goals in the 86th and 92nd minute to keep their hopes alive of reaching the knockout stage for the first time since 1996.
France Key Points
Japan u23 looking for a point to secure qualification
After appearing in the Olympics in 1996 for the first time, Japan are playing in the 2020 Olympic games as hosts. Their best result was finishing fourth in 2012. Japan are one of the best teams in Asia and their u23 team have won the Asian Games in 2010 and the AFC u23 Championship in 2016.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu is more than pleased with his team after beating both South Africa and Mexico in their two group games. Japan still need at least a point to qualify as mathematically they can be eliminated if they lose by three goals margin and also Mexico wins. Consequently, Japan will be careful since France showed a great offensive style in their last match.
Japan Key Points
France u23 vs Japan u23 Prediction
Japan looked very convincing in their first two matches unlike their opponents France who were four minutes away from being eliminated after just two games. Coach Ripoli needs to work on his team’s defense after conceding seven goals in two matches.
The hosts on the other side look very solid and adopted two different tactics in their games. Against South Africa, Moriyasu played an attacking game and dominated. While against Mexico the hosts were more on the defensive and still won because they could find the right balance.
Considering Japan’s results, it is normal to find them slight favorites with the bookies. We think France will be more cautious defensively but they have to attack and that will leave Japan with the chance to score on the break.
France u23 vs Japan u23 Betting Tips
Both Teams To Score Yes 1.63 at Vbet
1 2 and over 2.5 goals 1.58 at Vbet