Even though the Euros and Copa America are prominent in the rearview mirror and the new club football season is looming on the horizon, the Olympic Games start this week and there are football medals to be won.
There are 16 teams in four groups at the Olympic tournament including Euros winners Spain, Copa America winners Argentina, hosts France, and others all vying for top place on the podium.
The Men’s Olympic squads consist of under 23s players, with a maximum of three overage players.
Stars such as Man City’s Argentine striker Julian Alvarez, Bayern Munich’s French winger Michael Olise, and PSG’s Morrocan full-back Achraf Hakimi are some of the older stars to have answered their country’s call.
Legends have also stepped into managerial roles for the tournament with Thierry Henry leading the France team and Javier Mascherano leading Argentina.
The tournament begins on Wednesday and here are the latest odds on the favourites to win the Men’s Olympic Soccer Gold Medal.
France
France are taking their home Olympics seriously and their men’s football squad is proof of that. Thierry Henry is at the helm to bring the gold medal home and has assembled a capable team. A strike force of Alexander Lacazette and Jean-Phillipe Mateta, backed up by the skilful Michael Olise, can do serious damage and claim the victory.
Argentina
Argentina are the second favourites for gold and want to dispel the disappointment of their group stage exit at Tokyo 2020. The Copa America winners won at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 with boss Javier Mascherano at the back. Can the former Liverpool man repeat the feat on the other side of the touchline? With four of the 2022 World Cup winners in the squad, there’s a great chance.
Spain
Spain lost the Olympic final to Brazil in Tokyo but could follow up their Euro 2024 victory by going one better in Paris. Alex Baena and Fermin Lopez are two players in the squad who could complete the double. Both only featured in the group stages in Germany but will play key roles in this tournament. Can they complete the perfect summer?
Morocco
The surprise semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup could outdo their performance in Qatar by claiming gold at the Paris Olympic games. Situated in Group B with Argentina they have a strong chance of reaching the knockouts and going to the Hakimi’s club home, PSG’s Parc des Princes, for the final.
Paraguay
Paraguay return to an international tournament for the first time since the 2010 World Cup and a strong performance at the 2024 Olympics could give them the boost they need. They ousted reigning Olympic champions Brazil in the CONMEBOL qualifying and could be an outside shout for gold.
*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
Read More
- Introducing Paddy Power’s Super Sub – where your bet rolls over if your selection goes off
- Next England Manager Odds: Who’s going to succeed Gareth Southgate?
- Jurgen Klopp Next Job Odds: Who could come calling for the Liverpool legend?
The Paddy Power Guide To Safer Gambling – Everything You Need To Know
