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Japan will trade tackles with Paraguay in their opening game of the Paris 2024 Olympics football tournament on Wednesday (July 24th). The Samurai Blues reached the Olympics after beating Uzbekistan in the final of the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
The Japanese are coming into the tournament off the back of a 1-1 draw against hosts France in their final preparatory game a fortnight ago. They took the lead through Joel Fujita's 25th-minute strike but Michael Olise drew the game level two minutes into the second half.
Paraguay, meanwhile, qualified by winning the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. They fell to a 1-0 defeat to the United States in their final pre-tournament friendly earlier this month. Duncan McGuire's 56th-minute strike proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Israel and Mali complete the tournament's quartet of teams in Group D.
Japan vs Paraguay Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- The two sides also kick-started their 2004 Olympics campaign by facing one another. Paraguay claimed a 4-3 victory en-route to their runners-up finish
- Japan have lost only one of their last nine group matches at the Olympic Games (six wins).
- Paraguay have lost their last five games at Under-23 level.
- Eight of Japan's last nine games have produced less than three goals.
- Japan have qualified for a record-breaking eighth successive Olympic Games.
- Japan are the only side not to have included an overage player in this tournament.
Japan vs Paraguay Prediction
Japan are ever-present at the Olympics football tournament. They have made it to the semifinal on three previous occasions, the most recent of which came three years ago as hosts. Coach Go Oiwa's squad selection has been far from straightforward, with key men like Takefusa Kubo and Zion Suzuki not released by their clubs.
Paraguay are making only their third appearance at the Men's Olympics Football tournament. They made it all the way to the final last time out but expectations could be low this time around. Carlos Jara Saguier's side have struggled in their preparations for the tournament, losing their last five games on the bounce including some heavy and surprise defeats along the way.
Although one side could nick a win, we are backing the spoils to be shared in a low-scoring stalemate.
Prediction: Japan 1-1 Paraguay
Japan vs Paraguay Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 1.5 goals
