* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
And so we have it. Two of the most decorated footballing nations on the planet meet in the Tokyo Olympics 2021 gold medal match at 12.30pm on Saturday. And, to be fair, it’s probably the two ‘big’ teams that have taken it most seriously. If you’re unaware, the deal here is that qualifying nations select an under 23s squad with three ‘overage’ players. In Brazil’s case the overage players are Dani Alves, Diego Carlos, and goalkeeper Santos.
Saturday 12.30pm: Brazil v Spain
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Richarlison is also in Japan representing his country, along with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa. For Spain, it’s Dani Ceballos, Marco Asensio and Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino representing the older lads. However, if that trio are old then God knows what I am. There are some serious players on display and, if Brazil’s win in 2016 is anything to go by, some potential stars of the future will be strutting their stuff. So, let’s see where the value lies for Saturday’s match.
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Value Play: The Draw
These are two evenly matched and both are going to be doing their absolute upmost to win here. The Olympic football gold medal is no joke for either side. That means, I think, we’re going to see a tight, cagey game with the very real possibility of extra time.
Brazil are Paddy’s favourites for the match, but not by much. Generally speaking, bar Brazil’s 4-2 won over Germany and Spain’s 5-2 demolition of Ivory Coast, both of these have been involved in close games, and neither is yet to taste defeat in this competition inside the 90. I think we can expect that to continue and, at the best value on offer, The Draw has a very live chance.
Safest Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Only three of these two’s combined 10 games leading to the final have had more than two goals. That’s the two mentioned above and Brazil’s 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia. In the three games with Overs landing, these two have witnessed a stonking 17 goals.
In the seven where Unders has prevailed there’s been just five. It’s feast or famine for these two and with it all on the line here it’s well worth siding with the latter occurring again. Under 2.5 Goals has to be the safest bet for this game and is a must-have for any Bet Builders you might be putting on.
Long Shot: Richarlison to Score First
As we’re expecting a low-scoring affair the best way to go in the goalscorer markets is for someone to score first rather than anytime and we need look no further than Everton’s Richarlison. The forward has five goals in the competition so far, two more than anyone else involved in the final – Rafa Mir of Spain.
Matheus Cunha has two for Brazil but it’s Richarlison who stands out by a mile. He’s by no means the favourite to net here either, there are five players shorter, which doesn’t really make sense to me. Regardless, we can take advantage of this and back Richarlison to Score First at Paddy’s expense!
Tips for Brazil v Spain
Value Play: The Draw
Safest Bet: Under 2.5 Goals
Long Shot: Richarlison to Score First
These three selections in a treble will give you odds or around 37/1 with Paddy Power.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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