Australia will aim to build on an impressive victory over Argentina when they face Spain in the men’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday.
The Spaniards were held to a goalless draw by Egypt in their opening game, leaving them second in Group C.
Meanwhile, the Olyroos secured an eye-catching win over Argentina to open up an early two-point lead in the group.
Despite seeing just 44% possession, Australia produced a spirited performance to see off the Argentines last time out.
Western United young gun Lachlan Wales gave the Aussies the lead inside 14 minutes, before a red card Francisco Ortega saw Argentina reduced to ten men just before half-time.
After the break, Melbourne City starlet Marco Tilio put the icing on the back for the Olyroos – cementing a famous victory.
Of course, Australia were helped by the sending off. But as heavy underdogs, they did exceptionally well to come away with all three points.
It’s safe to say that Australia marked their return to men’s Olympic football action after a 13-year absence in style.
Spain, on the other hand, will probably be pretty disappointed not to have claimed all three points in their tournament opener.
Although they enjoyed 57% and recorded ten shots, La Roja failed to find a way through Egypt, who only registered one attempt on target.
It is also worth pointing out that Spain chalked up 89 dangerous attacks to Egypt’s 30, while they also won seven corners to Egypt’s one.
Spain’s squad is absolutely stacked with La Liga regulars. However, the likes of Pedri (Barcelona) and Marco Asensio (Real Madrid) couldn’t break down Egypt’s stubborn backline.
Head-to-head: This will be the very first meeting between Australia and Spain in the history of the Olympic Games.
It is worth pointing out that both Australia and Spain’s previous four Olympic matches have dished up under 2.5 goals, meaning a low-scoring game is on the cards here.
Team news: Australia coach Graham Arnold won’t be looking to make too many changes for Sunday’s clash following the win over Argentina.
After starting on the bench in the previous game, Tilio might have earned himself a spot in the staring XI after coming on to bag the second goal.
Spain could hand starts to Sevilla prodigy Bryan Gil and Wolves forward Rafa Mir after the pair come off the bench last time out.
There is no denying that Spain have the stronger squad, but the Olyroos will be brimming with belief after Thursday’s victory.
For that reason, Forebet predicts that Australia will hold Spain to a low-scoring draw on Sunday.