Neither Brazil or Spain brought their best squad to the Summer Olympics amid a busy summer of international soccer, but they’ll play for the gold medal Saturday. Kickoff will be at 7:30 a.m. ET at International Stadium Yokohama. Below, we preview the Brazil vs. Spain odds and lines, and make our best Summer Olympics bets, picks and predictions.
Spain topped host nation Japan 1-0 in the semifinals while Brazil had to go to penalty kicks with Mexico where it won 4-1.
The Spaniards handed Ivory Coast a more decisive 5-2 loss in the quarterfinals after winning Group C at just 1-0-2. Spain outscored the competition 2-1 in the Group Stage. Brazil won Group D at a more convincing 2-0-1 and outscored the rest of the group 7-3.
Brazil entered the Olympics third in the FIFA world rankings and Spain sixth; however, those rankings were not updated since the end of the Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments.
Brazil vs. Spain: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 4:07 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Brazil +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Spain +210 (bet $100 to win $210) | Draw +190
- Over/Under: 1.5 (O: -170 | U: +140)
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Prediction
Brazil 2, Spain 0
Money line (ML)
Back the much higher-scoring BRAZIL (+165) for a win within 90 minutes and stoppage time.
Spain opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against Egypt, crept past Australia 1-0 and drew Argentina 1-1 before erupting for 5 goals against Ivory Coast in the quarters. The offense was short-lived as it topped Japan just 1-0.
Brazil has been much more proficient at the offensive end. It doubled up Germany 4-2, drew Ivory Coast 0-0 and responded with a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia to close the Group Stage.
Mexico, who Brazil beat in the semifinals, is by far the best team either side played in the knockout stage. That tough tuneup will be an advantage for Brazil in the medal game.
Over/Under (O/U)
There are two possible plays on the total with neither being ideal but OVER 1.5 (-170) offers better value than Under 2.5 (-220).
Scoring dried up for both teams in the semifinals but Brazil has shown an ability to find the back of the net in this tournament. It’ll get some revenge and take care of the Over after losing the Copa America final 1-0 to Argentina.
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