SPAIN and Egypt have made heavy weather of what looked like an easy group at the Olympics and the North Africans head into the final game knowing they could be knocked out with a defeat.
The Spaniards are already through but they laboured to a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan and only finished off the Dominican Republic after the minnows had been reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time.
That came after the Dominicans held Egypt in the first Group C encounter so if they can beat Uzbekistan in their final match and the Pharaohs lose to Spain then second place will come to down to goal difference.
Egypt only just edged a 1-0 win over the Uzbeks in their last match but it was a second consecutive clean sheet. And if they keep another one in this group decider then it will guarantee their progress to the quarter-finals.
A draw would keep Spain top of the pile while sending both sides through so plenty of punters might be backing a convenient carve-up here in Bordeaux.
How the bookies view it: Spanish tipped to make it three from three
Despite failing to convince in both their games so far, Spain are still Betfred's 2/5 hot favourites, with Egypt the 11/2 outsiders. The draw pays 16/5 and might be the best option as that result suits both sides.
Head to head: Second helping for Spain
These sides have faced off just once before, in a friendly 18 years ago. It was Spain who came out on top as they claimed a 2-0 victory.
Players to watch: Samu's straining at the leash
Samu Omordion came into the Olympics in decent form after a good season at Alaves but has only made a brief cameo off the bench with captain Abel Ruiz starting up front. Ruiz could be rested for this one and Omordion may be worth a punt for anytime scorer once that market is priced up.
Osama Faisal has started both games so far in attack for Egypt but has yet to get his reward. The Zamalek man will be desperate to get off the mark here.
Probable teams
Spain might be tempted to make a few changes with their place in the last eight already assured. Barcelona stopper Pau Cubarsi will definitely miss out after picking up two yellow cards to earn a ban.
Egypt should field their strongest team as they look to book their place in the knockout stages.
Spain: Tenas, Gutierrez, Garcia, Pubill, Pacheco, Gomez, Bernabe, Oroz, Barrios, D Lopez, Omordion.
Egypt: Alaa, Fayed, Eid, El Debes, Tarek, Elneny, Sayed, Kamal, Adel, Faisal, Mazhar.
Anything else catch the eye?
Egypt's games have been as dull as dishwater so far, with just one goal across both matches. With Spain already through and a draw suiting both sides, I'd be surprised if this one was a thriller. Under 2.5 goals pays a decent 10/11 while betting against BTTS is priced 4/5.
The half-time draw is another good option as I'd imagine the Egyptians will sit deep and allow Spain plenty of possession. Backing the scores to be level at the break pays 7/5.
This Olympics match between Spain and Egypt will be played on Jul 30, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Spain vs Egypt prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
