Football betting tips Tokyo 2020: Olympics men's football best bets
Liam Kelly takes a look through Saturday's Olympic football quarter-final action, picking out his best bets from across the fixtures.
Tokyo 2020 betting tips: Men's football
1pt Under 2.5 Goals in Spain v Ivory Coast at Evens (bet365, William Hill)
2pts Japan to beat New Zealand with -1 goal handicap at 4/6 (bet365)
1pt Brazil to beat Egypt and Under 2.5 Goals at 11/4 (bet365, Betway)
1pt Both Teams To Score ‘YES’ in South Korea v Mexico at 10/11 (General)
South Korea v Mexico
- Kick-off time: 12:00 BST, Saturday
South Korea scored ten goals while conceding just one in topping Group B. Unfortunately for them, the one time they did allow a goal led to defeat against New Zealand.
Mexico have also impressed going forward, netting eight times in what was a tough group, finishing behind Japan after losing 2-1 to the hosts.
Both sides have displayed the ability to hit the back of the net regularly in this competition. That should continue in the knockout rounds, making BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE 'YES' a value option here.
Spain v Ivory Coast
- Kick-off time: 09:00 BST, Saturday
Tournament favourites Spain have yet to hit their stride in Japan, qualifying top of Group C after recording one win and two draws. Their matches have hardly been riveting, either, with just three goals scored in fixtures involving Spain.
Ivory Coast finished second in Group D, ahead of Germany after a 1-1 draw with the European giants. They also held Brazil to a goalless stalemate and scraped past Saudi Arabia 2-1. Just two goals conceded so far suggests a strong defensive stability which will serve them will in a tough quarter-final match-up.
Spain should win but it may be best to side with UNDER 2.5 GOALS in this game. Both sides have struggled offensively while remaining solid at the back, suggesting a low-scoring affair is on the cards.
Japan v New Zealand
- Kick-off time: 10:00 BST, Saturday
The host nation were impressive in topping their group, winning all three matches in relative comfort, scoring seven times and conceding just once. They are rewarded with one of the easiest match-ups in the last eight.
New Zealand have been close to the definition of average in this competition, winning once, losing once and drawing once in what was likely the weakest group in the Olympics.
Japan should have far too much class for New Zealand in this one. Given the hosts have scored freely and kept it tight at the back, JAPAN TO BEAT NEW ZEALAND WITH -1 GOAL HANDICAP looks the value bet.
Brazil v Egypt
- Kick-off time: 11:00 BST, Saturday
Brazil have lived up to lofty expectation thus far, easing through from Group D after gaining seven points from matches against Germany, Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia.
Egypt qualified for the quarter-finals on goal difference, edging out Argentina after conceding just one goal during the group stage. They will desperately need that defensive stability in this fixture.
As impressive as it is, the solidity of Egypt comes at a cost, scoring only two times in three matches. Consequently, BRAZIL TO WIN AND UNDER 2.5 GOALS looks a solid choice at a nice price.
Odds correct at 1300 BST (29/07/21)
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
MOST READ FOOTBALL
FOOTBALL TIPS
