In the final match of the Group Stage for both sides, France (1-1-0) takes on undefeated Japan (2-0-0) Wednesday at International Stadium Yokohama with a 7:30 a.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the France vs. Japan odds and lines, and make our best Olympic men’s soccer bets, picks and predictions.
While fans won’t be cheering it on in the stadium, Japan still gets the luxury of playing at home. So far this tournament, it has been beneficial as it has locked up a place in the knockout round with two wins.
It now takes on a French side which disappointed in Euro 2020.
While the bulk of those players won’t be in Tokyo, the next generation of French talent takes the field. France lost 4-1 to Mexico but beat South Africa 4-3.
France vs. Japan: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:15 p.m. ET.
- Money line: France +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Japan +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Draw +260
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +100)
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Prediction
Japan 2, France 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to JAPAN (+115) as it will try to win all three games and make a statement at home. These U23 players are going to want to make a name for themselves.
F Takefusa Kubo has impressed with 2 goals in the tournament. On top of that, Japan has given up just 1 goal through its first two games.
The high-scoring French side has been both fantastic offensively and disappointing defensively. It needs to figure out a way to slow down Japan, and that doesn’t seem likely.
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Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the OVER 2.5 (-140) as France’s struggles to defend have highlighted its tournament.
France has given up 7 goals through two games yet has scored 5 of its own. No team gets as close in terms of combined goals in its matches and Japan has scored 3 and given up only 1.
France F Andre-Pierre Gignac has 4 goals in two games including a hat trick. His dominance combined with the Japanese offensive prowess should result in a high-scoring match.
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