BRAZIL face Spain in the last four of the Paris Olympics women’s football event with a place in the final up for grabs. The Brazilians have been a bit unconvincing and should struggle against the reigning world champions, who are yet to taste defeat in the competition.
Brazil were made to work hard before claiming a 1-0 victory over France in their quarter-final clash. They were second best for much of the contest but did enough to earn the win thanks to Gabi Portilho’s effort eight minutes from time.
The Brazilians have been far from their best at this year’s Olympics and only reached the knockout stage as one of the best third placed teams. Arthur Elias’ men lost two straight matches prior to the win over France, including a 2-0 defeat to Spain.
Spain were given a scare by Colombia in their quarter-final clash as they were taken all the way to penalties. They actually fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in normal time thanks to late goals from Jennifer Hermoso and Irene Paredes before emerging victorious in the shoot-out.
While that clash was a scare, manager Montse Tome will be pleased with the character shown by her team. That has been the only blip for the Spaniards in the competition as they had won all three matches prior to Colombia with a victory over Brazil among their results.
How the bookies view it: Smooth ride for Spain
Spain have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 8/11 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Brazil is valued at 100/30 by Betfred, who is also offering 23/10 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly split meetings
There have been only five previous matches between Brazil and Spain with both teams claiming two wins and a draw. However, the Spaniards’ two wins have come in the last three meetings as they also claimed a 2-0 victory during the group stage of this year’s Olympics.
Players to watch: Paredes a rock in defence
Spain have kept two clean sheets in this competition, with Irene Paredes marshalling the defence. Her partnership with Leia Aleixandri has been solid enough and both women can lead the Spaniards to another clean sheet at 13/10 with Betfred.
At the other end of the pitch, Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey will be the ones to watch having impressed so far in the competition. Both women can ensure the Spaniards get on the score sheet at 1/6 by Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Veteran attacker Marta was suspended for Brazil in the quarter-finals and should return to the team on Tuesday. Having scored the only goal in the quarter-final, Gabi Portilho should continue in attack while Raffaelle Souza is set to feature at the back.
Jennifer Hermoso has been effective off the bench in this competition and is unlikely to earn a start despite her heroics last time out.
Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey should retain their place in the team.
Brazil: Lorena Leite, Lauren, Tarciane, Raffaelle Souza, Tamires, Yaya, Duda Sampaio, Marta, Gabi Nunes, Kerolin, Gabi Portilho
Spain: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Aleixandri, Carmona, Guijarro, Bonmati, Putellas, Del Castillo, Paralluelo, Caldentey
Anything else catch the eye?
Spain won to nil in the group stage meeting with Brazil and a similar outcome is priced at 9/5 with Betfred. The second half produced the most goals in that clash and a repeat could be considered at 11/10 with Betfred.
There was a halftime draw in the group stage meeting and a similar pattern is priced at 23/20 by Betfred.
This Olympics match between Brazil Women and Spain Women will be played on Aug 6, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brazil Women vs Spain Women prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
