The quarter-final lineups for the men's football event at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 were confirmed following the end of the group stage round. Spain and football’s powerhouse Brazil are the strong favorites to win a gold medal at this year's Olympic Games. Spain will meet Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals, while Brazil will face a resurgent Egypt team in the first knockout round. The match between South Korea and Mexico is likely to be the most thrilling one in the quarter-final phase. Who can qualify in the men's football semi-finals of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 is discussed in this article.

Who are the front-runners to make it to the semifinals?

1st Quarter-Final (Spainvs. Ivory Coast)

Venue: Rifu | Date: July 31 | Time (BST): 2 pm

Verdict: Spain 2-1 Ivory Coast

Following a strong showing in the group stage, Spain will be the favorite against Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. However, we can't refute that Ivory Coast had a solid performance in the group stage as well. They will do whatever they can to maintain the momentum and earn a place in the next knockout round.

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Spain’s probable starting XI

UnaiSimón (GK), Pau Torres, Eric García, Marc Cucurella, Óscar Gil, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri, Carlos Soler, Marco Asensio, Mikel Oyarzabal, Javier Puado

Ivory Coast’s probable starting XI

Eliezer Ira (GK), KouadioDabila, Eric Bailly, Ismael Diallo, WilfriedSingo, Franck Kessié, ZiéOuattara, KouassiEboue, Youssouf Dao, Max Gradel, Amad Diallo

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2nd Quarter-Final (Japan vs.New Zealand)

Venue: Kashima | Date: July 31 | Time (BST): 3 pm

Verdict: Japan 2-0New Zealand

Japan will have a slight advantage over New Zealand and will be the favorite to win this match. However, Japan will have to fight hard to beat a resurgent New Zealand side. The New Zealand side has looked impressive in this tournament and is poised to eliminate Japan from the competition.

Japan’s probable starting XI

Kosei Tani (GK), Kou Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Yuta Nakayama, Hiroki Sakai, Takefusa Kubo, Wataru Endo, Ao Tanaka, Daichi Hayashi, Yuki Soma, Ritsu Doan

New Zealand’s probable starting XI

Michael Woud (GK), Winston Reid, NandoPijnaker, Gianni Stensness, Clayton Lewis, Joe Bell, LiberatoCacace, Dane Ingham, Chris Wood, CallumMcCowatt, Elijah Just

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3rd Quarter-Final (Brazilvs.Egypt)

Venue: Saitama | Date: July 31 | Time (BST): 4 pm

Verdict: Brazil2-0 Egypt

We can expect a good battle between Brazil and Egypt in the third quarter-final. Brazil topped the group stage with a total of 7 points. Egypt edged out Argentina in the group stage due to a superior goal difference in the race for second place. However, Brazil have enough firepower to defeat Egypt in the quarter-final.

Brazil’s probable starting XI

Santos (GK), Diego Carlos, Nino, Guilherme Arana, DaniAlves, Richarlison, Bruno Guimarães, Douglas Luiz, Matheus Cunha, Claudinho, Antony

Egypt’s probable starting XI

Mohamed El-Shenawy (GK), Ahmed Hegazi, Mahmoud El-Wensh, Osama Galal, Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh, Karim El Eraki, Amar Hamdi, AkramTawfik, Ramadan Sobhi, Salah Mohsen, Ahmed Rayan

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4th Quarter-Final (South Koreavs. Mexico)

Venue: Yokohama | Date: July 31 | Time (BST): 5pm

Verdict:South Korea2-1Mexico (Extra Time)

This will be the most exciting match in the quarter-finals. Both South Korea and Mexico have strong teams. South Korea topped group B, while Mexico came in second in group A. South Korea will have an edge in this match against Mexico due to the familiar environment.

South Korea’s probable starting XI

Song Bum-Keun (GK), Ji-Su Park, Jeong Tae-Wook, Kang Yoon-Sung, Seol Young-Woo, JeongSeung-Won, Won Du-Jae, Um Won-Sang, Lee Dong-Jun, Dong-Gyeong Lee, Hwang Ui-Jo

Mexico’s probable starting XI

Guillermo Ochoa (GK), Johan Vásquez, César Montes, Érick Aguirre, Jorge Sánchez, LuísRomo, Francisco Córdova, Carlos Rodríguez, Henry Martín, Alexis Vega, Diego Lainez

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Verdict

As per the quarter-finals schedule, Spain and Brazil are the two heavy favorites to advance to the semifinals of the men's football event at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. On the other side, Japan and South Korea will have a slight advantage over their quarterfinal opponents. The best teams should make it to the semi-finals. The semifinal round will begin on July 31 (Saturday).