Olympics: Football tips for men’s group stage second games

Argentina v Algeria

Argentina are set for a hostile reception when contesting in arch rivals Brazil’s own backyard, but that shouldn’t affect them in this meeting with Algeria, as they seek a successful outing.

La Albiceleste boast a youthful and promising roster for the Olympics and will be targeting a medal on enemy territory.

They enter as favourites for this clash but, with the only other clash between these two sides having ended 4-3 to the Argentines, the South American giants can be backed at 13/5 to win by exactly one goal once again.

There may be no Lionel Messi within their set-up but, with all of Giovanni Simeone, Angel Correa, Victor Cuesta and Cristian Espinoza among many other talents involved, they should flourish in this encounter.

Brazil v Iraq

Despite boasting five World Cup victories, Brazil have never won Olympic Gold, but what better time to start than on home soil in the first ever Games in South America?

The Samba Boys next take on Iraq in Group A after opening their tournament campaign with a scoreless draw against South Africa, and enter this second encounter at a promising 29/20 to prevail by three or more goals.

There’s good reasoning behind backing such a price, with Brazil having thrashed their next opponents 6-0 in their only ever previous meeting, and they will also be looking to find their feet after that opening stalemate.

With the likes Barcelona superstar Neymar leading the line, as well as new Manchester City signing Gabriel Jesus and Lazio midfield ace Felipe Anderson, the Brazilians should run riot on home turf in the early hours of Monday morning.

Japan v Colombia

The Japanese Olympic side opened their Rio campaign in defeat, losing out to Nigeria in a 5-4 thriller, while South American outfit Colombia were held to a 2-2 draw by Sweden.

This pair of nations have collided on three occasions before with Colombia prevailing twice and the other meeting ending all square, and another stalemate in this latest match-up can be backed at 5/2.

Japan are more than capable of earning their first point in this second appearance in Brazil, while Colombia could be content with another sharing of the spoils this time out.

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