Mexico vs. Japan: preview and betting tips

The football tournament at the Olympics is coming to an end. This weekend we will see the winner, but on Friday we will find out who will take home the bronze. Mexico and Japan will face off for third place. How will the match play out?

Is football at the Olympics boring? No, it’s not. At least Mexico is proving otherwise. They’re entertaining with their soccer. Japan, for their part, is proving that even if they are not big on the big football events, they are good at the Olympics.

Both teams deserve the bronze, but who has a better chance of actually winning a medal? Not even the bookmakers are very clear on that. The odds are extremely even, some favour the Japanese, others the Mexicans.

But let’s take a closer look. As already mentioned, Mexico entertains with its football. In its five games, 21 goals have been scored, which is incredible. Only in one game have less than three goals been scored. This was in the semi-final against Brazil (1-0 loss on penalties).

Apart from Brazil, the Japanese also beat the Mexicans in the group stage. The upcoming rivals. They won 2:1 for a change. Otherwise, the team from the American continent defeated France 4: 1, South Africa 3: 0 and South Korea 6: 3.

Japan lost only once. In the semi-final, they fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time. They rely on a sophisticated defence and their matches do not offer many goals. After all, they have only scored 11 goals in their matches.

First they beat South Africa 1:0, then they beat Mexico 2:1, France 4:0 and New Zealand 1:0 on penalties.

Both Japan and Mexico have won medals at the previous two Olympics. Now they will battle it out for a third medal. The first goal will undoubtedly be important, and with one exception it has been the winner of all Mexico’s matches at the tournament.

But Japan boasts a better defensive record. But will it be enough to match Mexico’s offensive power? Experience and tactical maturity will be more on the side of the host country, which is why its success is more likely.

However, do not expect goal throws. There will be a maximum of three goals in the match.