Olympic Football: Spain VS Morocco Preview

August 1, 2012
By: Deke Hardman

Wednesday’s early evening match at Old Trafford sees Spain meet Morocco in the final round of group matches in the Olympic Men’s football tournament.

Despite entering the Games as second favourites for the Gold, Luis Milla’s side are already out of the competition following two 1-0 defeats, the latest coming at the hands of Honduras on Sunday.

Spain, who won Gold in Sydney 2000, had 67% of the possession last time out, but were unable to overcome any early Jerry Bengston goal.

If you fancy the Spanish to fail to hit the net once again, you might be tempted to take advantage of the rather generous price of 6.0 (5/1) offered by Bet Victor.

Probable Spain line-up (4-3-3): De Gea – Montoya, Botia, Dominguez, Alba – Romeu, Martinez, Herrera – Tello, Muniain, Adrian.

However, Spain are odds on to get all three points here, with an array of bookmakers offering a price of 1.57 (8/15). Morocco are a 6.0 (5/1) with William Hill, whilst the draw is 4.2 (10/3) with the same firm.

Morocco are also winless, though have an outside chance of qualification thanks their point in their opening match, though defeat to Japan on Sunday has given them an uphill task.

Pim Verbeek’s side must beat Spain, and hope that Japan make it three wins from three in their game with Honduras.

Probable Morocco line-up (3-5-2) Amsif – Aberhoun, El Kaoutari, Jebbour – Noussir, Labayd, Fettouhi, Abdel, Kharja – Amrabat, Bidaoui.

With the African side set to go all out for victory, there could well be goals here, and you can get odds of 2.90 (19/10) from Sporting Bet for there to be four or more goals in the game.

However, with such an emphasis on attack, Morocco could well leave gaps in defence for Spain to capatalise on, and the Europeans are 1.44 (4/9) with Paddy Power to open the scoring.

Atletico Madrid striker Adrian is favourite to open the scoring, at odds of 5.0 (4/1) with Bet 365, whilst Athletic Bilbao’s Iker Muniain, who has recovered from injury in time to feature, is a 8.0 (7/1) shout with Bet Victor.

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