BOTH Iraq and Ukraine will be aiming to make a winning start at the Olympics when the pair go up against each other at the Groupama Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The two sides have been drawn in what looks like a devilishly difficult section alongside both Argentina and Morocco.
Iraq stamped their ticket to this summer's showpiece in dramatic fashion following a 2-1 extra-time win over Indonesia in the third-place play-off at the Under-23 Asian Cup in Qatar.
The Lions of Mesopotamia finished in fourth place at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens but getting out of Group B would represent success in itself this time around.
As for Ukraine, they will be looking to put in a better showing than that of the senior side at Euro 2024, who fell at the first hurdle in Group F.
The Blue and Yellow, who have never graced the Olympics football stage, reached this year’s jamboree after surging to the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
How the bookies view it: Ukraine to reign supreme
Ukraine are odds-on 7/10 favourites on Betfred to claim maximum points form their Group B opener on Wednesday evening. With a low-scoring affair anticipated, adding in under 4.5 match goals will boost the odds up to a much more attractive looking 10/11 on Betfred.
Iraq are unfancied 18/5 underdogs on Betfred while an all square affair on matchday one can be backed at 23/10 with the same bookmaker.
Head to head: History book blank
Iraq and Ukraine have never crossed paths on the international stage. Given that both sides will have to go up against Argentina and Morocco in their matches that will follow this one, claiming three points here could prove crucial to their respective qualification hopes.
Players to watch: Iraq seeking jolt from Jasim
Iraq will look to highly-rated 20-year-old Ali Jasim for inspiration. The Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya forward finished as the top-scorer at the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup last season.
Maksym Taloverov was a member of Ukraine’s Euro 2024 squad and the classy defender will have a key role to play at the Olympics.
Predicted line-ups
Iraq have a fairly settled line-up so manager Radhi Shenaishil is unlikely to make too many changes.
Ukraine boss Ruslan Rotan is expected to select the same 11 players who were held to a 2-2 draw in their final warm-up game against Paraguay last week.
Iraq: Hassan; Saadon,Tahseen, Al Imam, Maknzi; K Mohammed; M Mohammed, N Muhammad, Jasim, Hassan; Ridha
Ukraine: Fesyun; Krupskyi, Salyuk, Taloverov, Martynyuk; Veleten, Rubchynskyi, Shostak, Khlan; Fedor, Sikan
Anything else catch the eye?
Ukraine are as big even-money on Betfred to score two or more goals on Wednesday evening and that holds plenty of appeal.
Ruslan Rotan’s side have struck twice or more in six of their last seven matches across all competitions.
On top of this, Iraq have filed just one clean sheet over their past 12 assignments, making the Blue and Yellow an appealing prospect to make the net bulge twice here at evens (Betfred).
This Olympics match between Iraq and Ukraine will be played on Jul 24, 2024 and kick off at 18:00. Check below for our tipsters best Iraq vs Ukraine prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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