The Tokyo Olympics 2020 men's football competition has reached a competitive level. Spain, Brazil, Mexico, and the host Japan have qualified for the semi-finals by eliminating their opponents in the quarter-finals. In terms of strength, Brazil and Spain will be the favorites to go to the final. However, Japan have been in good form since the beginning of the competition, while Mexico advanced to the last four by winning a goal-fest contest against South Korea in the quarter-finals. So their potential can't be ruled out. Who could proceed to the Tokyo Olympics 2020 men's football final is discussed in this article.
Who are the Favorites to Advance to the Finals?
1st Semi-Final (Brazilvs.Mexico)
Venue: Ibaraki Kashima Stadium | Date: August 3 | Time (BST): 2 pm
Verdict: Brazil 2-0 Mexico
Brazil have been in excellent form since the start of the event. They are one of the favorites to win the gold medal in men's football at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Brazil have gone undefeated throughout the tournament and have performed well as a team. The team has a number of young promising players. The squad also includes renowned players like DaniAlves and Richarlison.Despite a hard-fought quarter-final victory against Egypt, they are favorites to beat Mexico in the semi-finals.
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Mexico, on the other side, feel optimistic after defeating South Korea 6-3 in the quarter-finals. Mexico are now firmly believe that they can defeat Brazil in the semi-finals round. Football fans are anticipating a spectacular battle.
Brazil’s expected starting XI
Santos (GK), Guilherme Arana, DaniAlves, Diego Carlos, Nino, Bruno Guimarães, Matheus Cunha, Douglas Luiz, Richarlison, Antony, Claudinho
Mexico’s expected starting XI
Guillermo Ochoa (GK), Érick Aguirre, Jorge Sánchez, Johan Vásquez, César Montes, LuísRomo, Carlos Rodríguez, Francisco Córdova, Henry Martín, Diego Lainez, Alexis Vega
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2nd Semi-Final (Spain vs.Japan)
Venue: Saitama Stadium | Date: August 3 | Time (BST): 5 pm
Verdict: Spain 2-1 Japan
Spain has formed a solid men's football team for the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The Spanish team has been doing well from the start of the tournament. They have a better defense than the other teams in the competition. That's why scoring against Spain is tough.Spain advanced to the semifinals by defeating Ivory Coast 5-2 in the quarterfinals. Spain will strive to earn a place in the final by playing their best football against the host Japan in the semi-final.
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Japan, on the other side, advanced to the semifinals after defeating New Zealand in a penalty shootout. Japan will have an edge because they are playing at home. This game should also be fascinating.
Spain’s expected starting XI
UnaiSimón (GK), Marc Cucurella, Óscar Gil, Pau Torres, Eric García, Martín Zubimendi, Carlos Soler, Marco Asensio, Pedri, Javier Puado, Mikel Oyarzabal
Japan’s expected starting XI
Kosei Tani (GK), Yuta Nakayama, Hiroki Sakai, Kou Itakura, Maya Yoshida, Takefusa Kubo, Ao Tanaka, Wataru Endo, Daichi Hayashi,Ritsu Doan, Yuki Soma
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Verdict
According to the semi-finals schedule, Spain and Brazil are the two heavy favorites to qualify to the final of the men's football event at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. However, Japan and Mexico will do everything they can to upset the giants and secure a spot in the final. The best teams should advance to the championship match. The gold medal match of the event will take place at the International Yokohama Stadium on Saturday (August 7) at 5.30 pm (BST). Prior to that, the losers of the semi-final round will face off in a bronze medal match at Saitama Stadium on Friday (August 6) at 5 pm (BST).