New Zealand vs France Prediction & Betting Tips - Men's Olympic Tournament

Prediction published on 30/07/2024, 04:50  by Sridhar in Men's Olympic Tournament Predictions

New Zealand still harbors hopes of qualifying for the knockouts but may need a positive result against France in their last group game. This Group A match will be played at the Stade de Marseille, Marseille, on Tuesday, with the prediction of a likely difficult match for New Zealand.

Ahead of this last round, the hosts, France, are at the top of the table in Group A with six points. They have already qualified for the knockouts and will confirm their top spot with a point from this match. New Zealand are third with three points, behind the second-placed USA on goal difference, and will be out to better the USA's result against Guinea.

After a 2-1 win over Guinea in their first match, it looked like the New Zealanders were on their way to knockouts. Yet, a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of the United States pegged them back. They are now dependent on the USA, but they still need a win to stay in contention. That could be tough to achieve against France, a side that has yet to concede a goal in this tournament.

France started with a 3-0 win over the United States and followed it with a 1-0 win over Guinea to confirm their passage to the knockouts. They need just a point from this match to qualify as the group leaders. Their defensive strengths will once again be the leading light, as they have kept a clean sheet in three of the last four U23 matches.