Ivory Coast and Saudi Arabia are facing off in Round 1 of Group D in the Olympics 2021 soccer tournament. The last time Ivory coast was in the Olympics was back in 2008, and they have gone past the group stage. Saudi Arabia has never played in the Olympics before, and their expectations in this tournament are really low.
Ivory Coast is a talented team whose players are playing ins some of the biggest players in Europe. Ivory Coast is led by Bailly, a defender from Manchester United, Kessie from Milan, Kouame from Fiorentina, and Diallo also from Manchester United. It’s amazing how Ivory Coast was able to put together this great team, but we are yet to see if they have any chemistry and if they can make an impact in this tournament. Ivory Coast was in the Olympics back in 2008, and they have advanced past the group stage then, but they got knocked out by Nigeria. Ivory Coast hasn’t played any friendly games, but neither have most of the other teams since there hasn’t been much time to prepare. On paper, Ivory Coast is not one of the favorites, but they can certainly challenge one of the big teams, and with a bit of luck, Ivory Coast could be in the medal battle.
There isn’t much to say about this Saudi Arabia team. Saudi Arabian team is contained mostly of players from their national league, and this is their first major competition. Saudi Arabia has played a friendly match almost 4 months ago against Liberia, and that game has ended in a 0-0 draw. in this group with Brazil, Germany, and Ivory Coast, I don’t think Saudi Arabia has a chance at getting past the group stage, and it’s not like they expect to go through, but they are hoping to score a goal or two. There isn’t much more to say about this team, at least until we see their first game and they will play, but until then, I’m not saying anything else except, good luck, Saudi Arabia.
Ivory Coast is the favorite here, but I’m actually surprised why they aren’t a bigger favorite. Ivory Coast is a much, much better team in this matchup, and I will take advantage of this great price we are getting on Ivory Coast. This is the first time Saudi Arabia is in the Olympics, and I don’t think they will do well.