It’s the host nation facing the hottest nation in the sport for all the marbles in the Olympic men’s soccer gold medal match at the Paris Summer Games.
Not only has host France yet to lose in these Olympic Games, the French have conceded just one goal throughout the tournament. Meanwhile, gold medal opponent Spain has surrendered five goals and the Spaniards also lost a match during group stage play.
Oddsmakers are opting to roll with the home side in setting the betting lines for Friday’s gold medal match. France is a +130 favorite to capture the gold medal. Spain, meanwhile, is a +230 underdog.
Looking at the betting lines on the Olympic men’s soccer gold medal match, there are a number of variables to be taking into consideration before ultimately placing a wager on the game. First of all, look at the records of both clubs in a side-by-side comparison to see if there are any statistics that jump off the page and suggest a significant advantage for one team.
The next step would be to look at any other comparables, such as common opponents they have faced during the tournament. Check the latest injury reports to see if any key players might be missing the gold medal match.
As well, before making any bets on the Olympic men’s soccer gold medal game, you will want to be taking advantage of these Vegas betting site bonuses. It’s also good to keep in mind that every one of the top Vegas betting sites are providing access to downloadable apps. This will make it much easier for you to be placing your bets from your favorite mobile device.
The men’s Olympic gold medal match is being held exactly a month to the day of the Euro 2024 semifinal in which eventual champions Spain outsted France 2-1. Thus, besides defending their home turf, the French just might be motivated by the opportunity to avenge that defeat.
Certainly, the French squad is playing like a side on a mission during the Paris Summer Games. They’ve won all five of their matches. France has scored 11 goals. The tally the French conceded during their 3-1 semifinal win over Egypt was the first goal they’ve surrendered during the tournament.
France blanked a dangerous Argentina side 1-0 in the quarterfinals. The extra-time win by the French over Egypt was the second time they required late-game heroics to stay unbeaten. A 1-0 win over Guinea during group stage play also was fashioned via a late tally.
It’s been a renaissance of sorts for Spain, which is once again ruling over the international soccer empire. The Euro 2024 win by the Spaniards was the latest addition to an impressive list of international achievements.
Spain is also currently reigning champions in the men’s and women’s Euro Nations League, Euro men’s and women’s under-19 championship and women’s World Cup.
The Spaniards haven’t been nearly as dominant on the soccer pitch as the French in Paris, however. Spain finished second in the group stage, dropping a 2-1 decision to Egypt. There were also close 2-1 verdicts in favor of the Spanish over Uzbekistan in group stage play and Morocco in the semifinals.
Giving up goals has proven to be an issue for the Spaniards. They’ve allowed five goals in total and at least one in four of five matches. Offsetting the defensive shortcomings has been an attack that’s hit the back of the net 11 times.
Certainly, Spain is the flavor of the moment in international soccer circles and does show a better recent history in men’s Olympic soccer than France. Spain were silver medal winners in Tokyo. The Spaniards also won silver in 2000 and 1920 and a gold medal on home soil at Barcelona in 1992.
Meanwhile, France’s most recent Olympic soccer medal was a gold at Los Angeles in 1984. Prior to that, the French won silver in 1900.
But that was then and this is now. France is showing no signs of weakness. The mettle the French was tested when they fell behind the Egyptians in the semifinals. They came storming back to win 3-1.
That’s the same Egypt side which beat Spain 2-1 in group stage play. Spain can score with France, but the Spaniards come up lacking in terms of defense in comparison to the French. And that will be the difference in the men’s Olympic soccer gold medal match.
If you’re looking for some other wagers to ponder beyond the moneyline, BetUS is setting the total France goals at 1.5 and the over at odds of +156. The French are averaging 2.2 goals per game in the tournament.
