Sparks will fly as Argentina and Iraq battle for three valuable points at the Groupama Stadium this weekend. View our free Argentina Olympic vs Iraq Olympic predictions below.
Contents
Argentina Olympic vs Iraq Olympic predictions: Goals expected to flow
Key stats
- Seven of Argentina's last 10 matches, and five of Iraq's seven games went above the 2.5-goal threshold.
- Both teams were on the scoresheet in Iraq's last three matches.
- Argentina lost their opening game to Morocco, despite being the overwhelming favourites.
- Iraq defeated Ukraine in their first group game, despite being the clear underdogs.
Correct score prediction: Argentina 2-1 Iraq
This is a must-win for Argentina, as a defeat would most likely eliminate them from the tournament. Javier Mascherano’s troops should be able to defeat a less-experienced Iraqi side by a one-goal margin.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Argentina are bookies’ favourites
- Argentina: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
- Draw: 19/5 (4.80) – 20.8%
- Iraq: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*Odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Although Argentina lost their opening game, Javier Mascherano's men are the expected winners at 2/5 (1.40). Teams with these odds generally have a 71.4% probability of winning.
Don’t forget to check out more of our best betting tips and predictions after you’ve dissected our Argentina Olympic vs Iraq Olympic predictions.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that Argentina saw their defence breached in four of their last five matches. Taking into account that Iraq were on the scoresheet in six of their last seven games, over 0.5 Iraq goals has an appealing look at 7/10 (1.70). That one has a 58.8% chance of landing.
Argentina and Iraq at the Olympic Games
This is Iraq’s sixth appearance at the Olympics. Their best outing was in Athens 2004, where they finished fourth. Interestingly, Argentina were the champions in 2004. They have appeared in four finals, winning two of them.
Team news and form guide
Argentina: Hoping to salvage their campaign
Javier Mascherano was a vital part of Argentina's squad that won the Olympics in 2008. In three editions of the Olympics since then, Argentina failed to qualify once, and crashed out in the group stage twice. As Mascherano hopes to lead his side back to glory, he will be pleased to have no injury concerns ahead of this clash.
Predicted lineup: Rulli (GK), Garcia, Di Cesare, Otamendi, Soler, Almada, Medina, Hezze, Zenón, Beltrán & Álvarez.
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 02/08/24
L
France Olympic
1
Argentina Olympic
0
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 30/07/24
W
Ukraine Olympic
0
Argentina Olympic
2
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 27/07/24
W
Iraq Olympic
1
Argentina Olympic
3
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 24/07/24
D
Morocco Olympic
2
Argentina Olympic
2
Olympics 2020 Soccer - Men 28/07/21
D
Spain Olympic
1
Argentina Olympic
1
Iraq: Eyeing a place in the knockout stages
In five previous appearances at the Olympics, Iraq got past the group stage on two occasions. After an impressive victory against Ukraine earlier this week, Radhi Shenaishil will have his work cut out for him, as his side set their sights on a quarter-final spot. Like their opponents, there are no absentees for Iraq.
Predicted lineup: Hassan (GK), Saadon, Ojaimi, Tahseen, Al Reeshawee, Bayesh, K. Ali, H. Ali, Mohammed, Amyn & Hussein.
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 30/07/24
L
Morocco Olympic
3
Iraq Olympic
0
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 27/07/24
L
Argentina Olympic
3
Iraq Olympic
1
Olympics 2024 Soccer - Men 24/07/24
W
Ukraine Olympic
1
Iraq Olympic
2
Player to watch: Giuliano Simeone
Giuliano Simeone scored twice in Argentina's 2-1 loss to Morocco a few days ago, but his stoppage-time equaliser was cancelled. The Atletico Madrid player bagged three goals in his last two appearances for Argentina's U-23 team. He will be called upon to provide the goals in this clash.