AFTER beating New Zealand 4-1 in their second match at the Olympics, the USA have put their destiny in their own hands going into their final group match against Guinea.
A win here would see them qualify for the quarter-finals and restore a little bit of soccer pride after they were dumped out of their home Copa America in the group stages earlier in the summer.
All is not lost for Guinea despite losing both of their first two matches. If they can pull off a victory over the USA by two or more goals and New Zealand lose to France, then will make it through to the quarter-finals.
How the bookies view it: USA backed to get the three points
The bookies have seemingly been swayed by the USA's impressive result and performance against New Zealand as they have been priced as the 1/2 favourites for this one with Betfred. A Guinea win hasn't been completely ruled out, though, with Betfred pricing them as 9/2 to get the win. The draw, which could be enough for the USA, has been priced at 3/1.
Recent head-to-head: A repeat of a recent clash
The USA and Guinea full squads have never met before on the football field but interestingly, their u23 squads did meet in March 2024. The players involved in that clash are largely the same as the ones that are set to be involved on Tuesday night which could prove to be psychologically important. On the night, the USA won 3-0, so they will be hoping for more of the same this week.
Players to watch: More Mihailovic magic?
Djordje Mihailovic was man of the match in the win against New Zealand and his country will be hoping for more of the same on Tuesday night. The playmaker converted from the spot to get the USA on their way against New Zealand before providing an assist for Walker Zimmerman four minutes later.
Mihailovic had led the team to a 3-0 lead by half time which meant he was taken off after 57 minutes to rest up for the match against Guinea. Considering the season he had for Colorado Rapids – scoring ten goals and providing eight assists – it's unsurprising that they want to keep him fresh.
Guinea had two goals ruled out for offside against France and one of them was scored by Naby Keita. The experienced midfielder will be the most gifted player on the pitch on Tuesday and Guinea will need him to be at his best if they are to get the result they need.
Predicted line-ups
Both of these teams are likely to go in unchanged for this one. The USA have no reason to change a winning formula while Guinea were unlucky to lose against France which should give them some hope and confidence coming into this one.
USA: Schulte – Harriel, Robinson, Zimmerman, Tolkin – Tessmann, Busio, Mihailovic – Paredes, McGuire, Aaronson
Guinea: Sylla – Cisse, Soumah, Keita – Diallo, Diawara, Toure, Balde – Keita, Bah, Moriba
Anything else catch the eye?
Of the four matches involving these two teams at the Olympics so far, more than two goals have been scored in three of them which suggests we could be in for a cracker on Tuesday night. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 4/6 with Betfred.
This Olympics match between USA and Guinea will be played on Jul 30, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best USA vs Guinea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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