Olympics: Who are the favourites to win men’s football tournament?

Argentina

Brazil’s biggest and bitterest rivals Argentina may have something to say about that, and La Albiceleste should never be counted out of raising their game on Samba Boys soil, having rallied to the 2014 World Cup final in their foes’ territory.

The Argentine Under-23 contingent should not need any more motive than their own record, however, as the South American nation stormed to successive triumphs at the Olympics in 2004 and 2008.

After failing to reach the last tournament in London four years ago, an Argentina squad (27/20 to triumph over Portugal) featuring many home-based boys and Atletico Madrid attacker Angel Correa, will seek to restore pride.

Mexico

Shifting to Central America, defending champions Mexico are a tasty punt to follow up their maiden Olympics success with more splendour.

Apparent Manchester United target Hirving Lozano and fellow young-gun Erick Torres find support from veteran and cult figure Oribe Peralta (32), who has a terrific scoring record for the Aztecs. From a Group C also containing big-guns Germany, if Mexico can escape, they stand as good a chance as anyone of replicating their magic.

Germany

Surprisingly, despite Germany’s excellent international trophy haul, Die Mannschaft’s efforts at the Olympics have never brought more than third place.

Expect the next generation of talent to rectify this, with Bender brothers Lars and Sven two of the three over 23 choices to bring typical stability to this core.

This really is perhaps the most promising roster with many players regularly plying their trade at the highest level and Germany are 13/10 to beat Mexico in their opener.

Punters should recognise Premier League-linked post protector Tim Horn, top defensive prospects and Bundesliga regulars Matthias Ginter and Niklas Sule, while Schalke stars Leon Goretzka and Max Meyer are midfield picks alongside Bayer Leverkusen wonderboy Julian Brandt and Arsenal’s Serge Gnabry.

Sweden

Last but not least, Sweden may seem a strange inclusion in our top teams, with their best Olympics finish a quarter-final.

To boot, superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not one of the older selections – yet the Swedes recently produced a UEFA European Under-21 Championship winning squad, with at least seven from that successful squad featuring here.

They must be doing something right in their youth production lines and, though they lack attacking spark, could be this year’s defensive underdogs.

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