The men’s Olympic football tournament continues in Tokyo on Sunday as both France and South Africa look to bounce back from opening-day defeats.
The South Africans were beaten 1-0 by host nation Japan, while the French suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Mexico.
Despite racking up nine shots – five of which were on target – France only managed to find the back of the net once on Thursday.
Following a goalless first half, Alexis Vega and Sebastian Cordova netted just after the break to hand Mexico a comfortable advantage.
Veteran striker Andre-Pierre Gignac pulled one back for France, but the Mexicans scored two last goals to complete the rout.
France were one of the pre-tournament favourites heading into Tokyo 2020, yet they were totally outclassed by Mexico – the 2012 gold medal winners.
Les Blues’ sole men’s football Olympic gold came in 1984, with a silver coming in this event all the way back in 1900.
On the flip side, South Africa gave a decent account of themselves but were ultimately toppled by Japan.
The South Africans enjoyed a fair share of the possession and also created a handful of goalscoring opportunities.
However, Real Madrid starlet Takefusa Kubo netted midway through the second half to inflict an opening-day defeat on the African nation.
This is only the third time that South Africa have qualified for the men’s football tournament at the Olympic Games.
Having finished 11th at Sydney 2000 and 13th at Rio 2016, South Africa aren’t expected to challenge for a medal this time around.
Head-to-head: It is worth remembering that France and South Africa have never previously faced each other in the Olympics.
But with each of SA’s last four Olympic games producing under 2.5 goals, we are set for a low-scoring encounter on Sunday.
Team news: France boss Sylvain Ripoll will almost certainly shake up his starting XI following the heavy loss to Mexico.
As for South Africa, they could hand starts to Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Kobamelo Kodisang after the duo came off the bench last time out.
Following a shock loss to Mexico in their tournament opener, France will be eager to get some points on the board this weekend.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Les Blues will keep a clean sheet on their way to overcoming South Africa.