SPAIN will be looking to make an early statement of intent when they kick off their Olympics campaign against Uzbekistan at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday afternoon.
Having been housed in Group C alongside Uzbekistan, Egypt and the Dominican Republic, Spain are expected to progress to the knockout round with ease.
In fact, La Roja, who picked up a silver medal in Tokyo three years ago, are the bookmakers second favourites at 5/2 to go one better this time around.
Santi Denia’s side will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the senior side, who conquered the continent at Euro 2024 earlier this month.
As for Uzbekistan, they will be making their first-ever appearance on the Olympic football stage in France this summer.
Timur Kapadze's team secured their place at the 2024 showpiece after a strong showing at the Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.
How the bookies view it: Spain to reign supreme
Spain are overwhelming 2/11 favourites on Betfred to hit the ground running with a win on Wednesday afternoon.
Uzbekistan are a towering 10/1 Betfred to triumph while a point apiece at the Parc des Princes is also deemed unlikely at 5/1 with the same firm
Head to head: History book blank
This will be the first time ever that Spain and Uzbekistan have crossed paths on the international football stage.
The White Wolves will know that their qualification hopes will likely rest on the outcome of their subsequent two Group C fixtures with Egypt and the Dominican Republic.
Players to watch: Omorodion out to impress
After finishing the season as Alaves' top goalscorer in La Liga, striker Samu Omorodion will be looking to enhance his reputation on the Olympic stage. Recently linked with a big money move to Chelsea, Omorodion is a tempting 10/11 to score anytime on Bet 365.
Uzbekistan will look to captain Eldor Shomurodov for inspiration. The Roma forward – who is his country’s all time leading goalscorer – is 11/2 to strike anytime against Spain.
Predicted line-ups
Barcelona duo Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi are expected to be Spain’s centre-back pairing on Wednesday afternoon , while the aforementioned Omorodion is expected to spearhead their attack.
Uzbekistan boss Timur Kapadze has a fairly settled squad and is expected to name a familiar looking starting XI on Wednesday afternoon.
Uzbekistan: Nematov; Mirsaidov, Khamraliev, Khusanov, Yuldashev; Buriev, Kholmatov; Fayzullaev, Jaloliddinov, Odilov; Shomurodov
Spain: Tenas; Pubill, Garcia, Cubarsi, Miranda; Baena, Barrios, Bernabe; Lopez, Ruiz, Omorodion
Anything else catch the eye?
Spain are too short to side with a 2/11 but backing them to overcome a -1.75 start on the asian handicap looks like a nice way in at 17/20 on Bet 365.
Here we would land a half win if Spain triumph by two or more goals, while a Spanish success by three clear goals would deliver a full pay out.
As already mentioned, Santi Denia’s side are among the favourites for the gold medal and they should win with some room to spare in their Group C curtain-raiser.
This Euro 2024 match between Uzbekistan and Spain will be played on Jul 24, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Uzbekistan vs Spain prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
