Morocco-Spain and France-Egypt are the two semifinals of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament and are played Monday at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.: TV, streaming, lineups, predictions.
Spain looked like it might risk something against a Japan that had dominated its group but the Japanese faced with the first real obstacle melted like snow in the sun. A brace by Fermin Lopez and a goal by striker Ruiz gave Rojita the clearest win (3-0) of this Olympics, as well as a pass to Achraf Hakimi’s Morocco in the semifinals.
Together with Egypt, another semifinalist, the Atlas Lions are undoubtedly the big revelation of the Paris 2024 soccer tournament. In the group stage, they surprisingly finished ahead of Javier Mascherano’s Argentina, and in the quarterfinals they made a meal of the U.S., overwhelmed 4-0. Tarik Sektioui’s men are making their compatriots relive more or less the same feelings of the Qatari World Cup: even then they managed to reach the semifinals against all odds and the dream of winning a historic medal is more alive than ever. The Moroccan selector against Spain will confirm the lineup that scrambled the United States, relying on the scoring verve of striker Rahimi, author of five goals in four games.
The prediction
Spain is favored but this Morocco is serious and will most likely make Santi Denia’s team sweat for qualification. We anticipate a more balanced match than expected, which could even end in extra time: both should score.
Morocco-Spain likely lineups
MOROCCO (4-2-3-1): Mohamedi; Hakimi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, El Ouahdi; Targhalline, Richardson; Akhomach, El Khannouss, Ezzalzouli; Rahimi.
SPAIN (4-2-3-1): Tenas; Pubill, Cubarsì, Garcia, Miranda; Barrios, Baena; D. Lopez, F. Lopez, Gomez; Ruiz.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
Share comparison
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Thierry Henry’s France did not disappoint expectations and took what was considered somewhat of a “rematch” of the Qatar 2022 World Cup final, beating Mascherano’s Argentina 1-0. A very balanced match, decided by a Mateta goal at 5′: although the Albiceleste tried several times they were unable to retake the transalpine formation, which has a real iron defense.
Four victories out of four, then, for the hosts, who, after tearing through their group – not a single goal conceded so far by Henry’s men – have taken the scalp of a direct competitor. In the semifinals, France will find Egypt, fresh from their penalty shootout success with Paraguay. The North Africans have to thank Adel’s goal with 2 minutes to go, which averted an elimination that now seemed certain: then they came out on top from the penalty spot, scoring all five penalties taken. It is a historic achievement for the Egyptians to have made the top four: it hasn’t happened in 60 years.
The prediction
The France seen so far should not take any risks against Egypt, who come to this match with thirty more minutes in their legs than Henry’s men. It would not be a surprise if the Bleus manage to keep their goal unbeaten again.
France-Egypt’s likely lineups
FRANCE (4-3-1-2): Restes; Sildillia, Badé, Lukeba, Truffert; Akliouche, Koné, Chotard; Olise; Lacazette, Mateta.
EGYPT (4-1-2-3): Alaa; Fayed, Abdelmeguid, Eid, El-Debes; Elneny; Shehata, Kouka; Zizo, Faisal, Adel.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-0