NEW Zealand will take on France on Tuesday, 30 July knowing that they more than likely need a win to have any hope of making it through to the knockout stages of the 2024 Olympics.
France have all but qualified for the quarter-finals after two wins from their opening two matches. The only way they won't make it through is if they lose to New Zealand by at least three goals and the USA beat Guinea by at least two.
Ahead of kick-off in Marseille, here is our New Zealand vs France prediction.
How the bookies view it: France the overwhelming favourites
Given France are the favourites to win the tournament, it isn't exactly a shock that they have been priced as the favourites to come out on top here. With qualification not mathematically secured yet, Thierry Henry will go strong which should spell bad news for New Zealand. A France win has been priced at 1/6 with Betfred while a New Zealand win has been priced at 10/1
A draw, which would be enough for New Zealand if Guinea can beat the USA, is priced at 11/2.
Recent head-to-head: Not much to go off
Given they play on opposite sides of the world, it should come as no surprise that France and New Zealand rarely play each other on the football field. They have never met at u23 level nor have they ever faced off at the Olympics.
The full squads have met once before back at the 2003 Confederations Cup. France ran out as 5-0 winners with Thierry Henry, the man in charge of the team at the Olympics, getting on the scoresheet.
Players to watch: Olise to continue to shine
Michael Olise was disappointed to have been left out of the French Euro 2024 squad but instead of sulking about it, he has put it behind him and made the most of his opportunity at the Olympics.
Olise has already had a memorable summer, singing for Bayern Munich after several impressive season for Crystal Palace, and he quickly become France's most important player as they look to secure a Gold Medal in the football at their home Olympics.
In France's opening match against the USA, the winger scored one and provided an assist for Alexandre Lacazette. In their second match, he was the provider once again, setting up Kiliann Sildillia late on to earn France another three points.
Predicted line-ups
Thierry Henry made one change to his team for the match against Guinea but he is likely to revert back to what worked better against the USA in their opening match here. New Zealand, meanwhile, have picked the same starting XI in both of their matches and will probably do the same again here.
France: Restes – Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert – Kone, Chotard – Milot, Lacazette, Olise – Mateta
New Zealand: Paulsen – Boxall, Surman, Bindon, Sutton – Bell, Bayliss – Garbett, Singh, Herdman – Waine
Anything else catch the eye?
Out of the four matches involving these teams at the Olympics so far, three of them have seen three or more goals go in which suggests we could be in for a high-scoring match on Tuesday night in Marseille. Over 2.5 goals to be scored in priced at 4/9 with Betfred.
This Olympics match between New Zealand and France will be played on Jul 30, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best New Zealand vs France prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
