Men’s Olympic Soccer Odds & Picks – Group Stage July 25

• The group stages of Men’s Olympic Football proceed on Sunday
• The likes of Brazil, Australia, and Mexico got off to smashing starts in their tournament openers
• Find the full odds for all eight matches along with three previews and predictions below

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Men’s Football competition may not be full of household names, but matchday one on Thursday there was no shortage of entertainment. Now, we look ahead to the second game for each of these 16 teams, who are all in action on Sunday.

Brazil has been impressive thus far, throttling Germany 4-2. Mexico was also firing on all cylinders as they took down France, 4-1.

Men’s Olympic Soccer Odds – Matchday Two

Odds as of July 23rd at DraftKings.

New Zealand U23 vs Honduras U23 Prediction

New Zealand can book their ticket to the knockout stages of the Tokyo Olympics with a victory against Honduras on Sunday. The Kiwis started off the tournament in a positive manner after beating South Korea 1-0 in their first match.

What a moment last night! 💪🇳🇿#EarnTheFern #KoTātauTeKapaOAotearoa #WeAreTheNZTeam pic.twitter.com/ebAYhkrSvh

— New Zealand Football 🇳🇿 (@NZ_Football) July 23, 2021

Burnley striker Chris Wood secured the three points for his side with a fine strike within the penalty box in the 70th minute. Just moments before, West Ham defender Winston Reid saved New Zealand from conceding after a terrific clearance on the goal-line to keep the game level. If Danny Hay’s men do indeed qualify for the next round, it would be the first time they’ve ever done so at the Olympics.

Honduras head into Sunday’s clash desperately needing three points. The side has been successful on the Olympic stage, qualifying in four of the last five. However, an opening 1-0 defeat at the hands of Romania has them with their backs up against the wall.

FINAL DE PARTIDO|| JJOO#Honduras 🇭🇳 0-1 #Rumania 🇷🇴#VamosHonduras pic.twitter.com/FPSUeqCG9V

— Selección Nacional de Honduras (@FenafuthOrg) July 22, 2021

An own goal just before the halftime whistle proved costly for the Hondurans, with Elvin Oliva accidentally ricocheting a header into his own net. It was an unfortunate turn of events considering the Central Americans had a total of five shots on target, while the Romanians had none.

Both teams weren’t necessarily clinical in their first game of the Olympics. But, I do think Wood, who brings a ton of experience to the table, will bag another goal and send the Kiwis through to the knockouts.

Pick: New Zealand +205

Brazil U23 vs Ivory Coast U23

The high-flying Brazilians will be tasked with a Matchday two meeting against Ivory Coast on Sunday in Yokohama. Andre Jardine’s side was clinical in their first outing of the Olympics, putting four past the Germans in an extremely convincing victory.

After losing in the Copa America Final just two weeks ago, Everton talisman Richarlison jetted to Tokyo to serve as one of the overage players for Brazil. He shined instantly, bagging a hat-trick within the first 30 minutes against Germany. Paulinho ultimately scored the fourth for Selecao in a fine showing for the Brazilians.

🇧🇷 Richarlison is the first Brazilian to score a hat-trick at an Olympic Games since Bebeto in 1996

🥵 And Richarlison did it in 30 minutes vs Germany at #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/B0X8o1eaHm

— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 22, 2021

Ivory Coast head into this clash in good spirits after beating Saudia Arabia on Thursday. It was a gritty win for the African nation, going ahead in the first half via an own goal. But, Al-Hilal winger Salem Al-Dawsari equalized not long after for the Saudi Arabians prior to halftime.

It was AC Milan star Franck Kessie to the rescue for Soualiho Haidara’s squad as he smashed home a stunning strike in the 66th minute via a clever assist from Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo.

https://twitter.com/Scholeseh/status/1418150247608487937

It’s hard to imagine Brazil losing to the Ivorians here. The Moneyline is obviously steep though, which means there could be more value on a specific scoreline.

Pick: Brazil to Win by 2 (+250)

Japan U23 vs Mexico U23 Prediction

Japan and Mexico lock horns with both teams coming off victories on Thursday. The host nation snuck past South Africa, thanks to a Takefusa Kubo winner in the 71st minute. The Real Madrid phenom was a standout performer for the Japanese, showcasing his creativity and technical abilities for the full 90 minutes.

Takefusa Kubo’s game by numbers vs. South Africa:

87% pass accuracy
72 total touches
5 shots [1 on target]3 attempted tackles
3 successful tackles
1 chance created
1 interception
1 goal

A historic goal for the hosts. 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/zPWUgq8pvh

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) July 22, 2021

The Japan U23s are in brilliant form right now, tasting defeat just once in their last six appearances. Although they sit behind Mexico in Group A on goal differential, a victory on Sunday in Saitama would see them advance to the quarterfinals on home soil.

Mexico got off to a rocking start in this group, burying European powerhouse France. Sebastian Cordova, Alexis Vega, Uriel Antuna, and Eduardo Aguirre all found the back of the net. With that victory, El Tri is in a prime position to progress.

FT: 🇲🇽 4-1 🇫🇷

⚽ @Alexis_Vega9
⚽ @Cordovar97
⚽ @AntunaUriel
⚽ @Laloaguirre146

Mexico start the Olympics hot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zpK2Gvs8FB

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 22, 2021

The U23 outfit has been dominant in recent memory, going unbeaten in their last nine games. While most of the squad are youngsters, veteran keeper Guillermo Ochoa is still in between the sticks for his country and tough as ever to beat.

Jaime Lozano’s men looked very dangerous on Thursday and will be poised for another big result. After all, they did win the gold medal in 2012 in London before bowing out in the group stages in 2016. I expect the Mexicans to have no problems with Japan here.

Pick: Mexico +160