It is a chance to leave the Paris 2024 Olympics with some consolation as Spain battle Germany in the bronze-medal match of the women’s football event. Both teams will be disappointed with their semi-final results and given their leaky defences, goals could be expected here.
Spain are playing the bronze medal match after suffering a 4-2 defeat to Brazil in their semi-final fixture. They appeared surprisingly out of sorts and struggled to get into the game, with a late brace from Salma Paralluelo proving futile.
That was the first defeat in this competition for Spain, who had previously looked like the favourites for the gold medal. The defending will be particularly worrying for manager Montse Tome as the Spaniards have now conceded six goals in the last two matches.
Germany put up more of a fight in their semi-final fixture but still lost 1-0 to the USA. They matched the Americans for much of the encounter and appeared to be holding out for penalties before ultimately succumbing in extra-time.
That was the second defeat in the competition for Germany, who had earlier been beaten 4-1 by USA in the group stage. Like the Spaniards, Horst Hrubesch’s team have been unconvincing at the back, conceding six goals in their last four matches.
How the bookies view it: Spaniards to get consolation
Spain have been installed as overwhelming favourites among the bookies and are priced at 19/20 by Betfred to claim the win. A victory for Germany is valued at 12/5 by Betfred, who is also offering 12/5 for a draw.
Head to head: Germany on top
Germany have never lost to Spain, with three wins and as many draws from six previous matches. The most recent meeting was at the 2022 UEFA Women’s Championship, with the Germans claiming a 2-0 victory.
Players to watch: Paralluelo back in the groove
Salma Paralluelo finally found her scoring touch as she netted a brace in the semi-final. Playing longside Mariona Caldentey and Aitana Bonmati, the Spaniards could be backed to produce over 1.5 goals at 10/11 with Betfred.
Germany also have some attacking quality of their own and will look to Jule Brand and Sjoeke Nusken to provide the spark. Both women could help the Germans produce over 0.5 goals at 4/7 with Betfred.
Probable line-ups
Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas were second half substitutes for Spain in the semi-final and could return to the starting line-up on Friday. Mariona Caldentey and Salma Paralluelo should retain their place in the team.
Germany are still likely to be without Lea Schuller and captain Alexandra Popp, who missed the semi-final with injury and illness respectively. Sjoeke Nusken and Nicole Anyomi should continue in attack while Marina Hegering is expected to maintain her place in defence.
Spain: Coll, Batlle, Paredes, Codina, Carmona, Abelleira, Bonmati, Putellas, Caldentey, Del Castillo, Paralluelo
Germany: Berger, Gwinn, Hendrich, Hegering, Rauch, Lohmann, Nusken, Minge, Buhl, Brand, Anyomi
Anything else catch the eye?
It was a six goal thriller in Spain’s semi-final clash and another high-scoring encounter could be expected here. Over 4.6 goals is priced at 4/1 by Betfred, who is also offering 2/1 for over 3.5 goals while over 2.5 goals is set at odds of 8/11.
A closely fought opening is expected on Friday, so a halftime draw could be considered at 5/4 with Betfred. With the first half expected to be tight, the second half could be tipped to produce more goals at evens with Betfred.
This Olympics match between Spain Women and Germany Women will be played on Aug 9, 2024 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Spain Women vs Germany Women prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
