Olympics · 1 year ago

Men’s Soccer Quarterfinals Power Rankings 1-8 Olympic Games Paris 2024

Ruben Chavez

Host · Writer

8. Paraguay +155 vs. Egypt
Paraguay managed to dig themselves out of the early hole they created after their 5-0 loss to Japan and qualify for the knockout round. Marcelo Fernandez has shown up massively. He scored two goals against Israel and the winner against Mali. Diego Gomez likewise performed up to the expectations, notching two assists and adding a layer of creativity to their midfield. Another player who has been fun to watch is Brighton forward Julio Enciso. His direct manner of playing makes him a must-watch, as he's constantly taking on defenders or looking for an angle to shoot. Despite their attacking flourish the reason they are ranked so low is their defense, they qualified with a -2 goal difference and with the amount of pressure they allow it makes them one of the most vulnerable teams left at the Olympics.

Next Match vs. Egypt: Preview & Best Bets | Where to Watch the Summer Olympic Games
1. France +100 vs. Argentina
France has lived up to all the expectations people had for them heading into the tournament. One of two teams to win all their games, they've been entirely in command of all three of their victories. Manager Thierry Henry has set his squad up well, giving the hometown crowd many reasons to cheer. As expected Les Bleus deep squad has been effective and dangerous. Players such as Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Michael Olise have impacted games to their usual level. France has players at every position capable of turning the game on its head. They'll face a tough test when they play Argentina, but there is no reason to expect them to look anything but dominant.

Next Match vs. Argentina: Preview & Best Bets | Where to Watch the Olympics (updated)
2. Japan +240 vs. Spain
Japan is the surprise of the tournament. They've won all three matches and scored seven goals while conceding zero. The Samurai Blue started with a bang, beating Paraguay 5-0, and while the rest of their matches were closer, they looked imposing. Rihito Yamamoto has found the back of the net twice, one of which was the winner against Mali to secure their qualification. Joining him in the attack, Shunsuke Mito, who also has two goals, has been a real engine for them, creating dangerous situations for the Japanese. Their biggest star so far, though, is their goalkeeper Leo Kokubo. He made big saves in their last two group games when called upon, which is the biggest reason they have not conceded a goal yet. Japan is well-drilled and motivated to improve on their fourth-place finish in the last Olympics.

Next Match vs. Spain: Preview & Best Bets | Official Medal Tracker
3. Morocco +115 vs. USA
Morocco shocked the world by beating Argentina in their opening match and used that as a platform to qualify to be at the top of their group. That feat alone legitimized them as a contender for a medal at these Olympics and is one of the reasons they've third in the power rankings. They faltered against the Ukraine but looked dominant against Iraq, showing how tough an opponent they are when they execute their game plan. Despite the struggles, Morocco is a solid team, and having a star like Achraf Hakimi counts a lot in these competitions. They also have the Golden Boot leader, Soufiane Rahimi. Rahimi has scored in every match and has four goals, if Morocco continue their journey, both players are sure to have a hand in it.

Next Match vs. USA: Preview & Best Bets | USA Medals Tracker by Sport
4. Spain +110 vs. Japan
Spain came in as favorites and started the tournament as expected, winning their first two matches. They are only fourth because they were on the wrong side of an upset at the hands of Egypt. Had they won that game, they would've secured an easier first knockout game and been a lock for the semis. Instead, they'll play Japan, a team that has been one of the top performers in this tournament, and it will be a real test for Spain. La Roja are still an extremely talented squad and looked dangerous when they clicked. They've also gotten significant contributions from Euros winners Fermín López and Álex Baena. At the same time, Miguel Gutiérrez and Eric Garcia have done well in defense. However, the Spanish have not been able to keep a clean sheet, and they'll have to put in their best performance if they want to make it to the Semis.

Next Match vs. Japan: Preview & Best Bets | USA Medal Tracker: Every American Medalist in Paris
5. Egypt +170 vs, Paraguay
Egypt has already exceeded expectations; despite their history in the competition as a tricky opponent, no one would've bet on them qualifying at the top of their group. They have been stout defensively, only conceding one goal to Spain in their final group game. Still, their low ranking is due to their lack of goal threat; they've only scored three goals, the lowest of all the teams that qualified for the quarters. The Pharaohs deserve some credit, however, and there were positives from their attack in the last group match. There is good reason to believe the attacking trio of Osama Faisal, Ibrahim Adel, and Ahmed Sayed, who led the line in their best performance thus far, will do so again in their next match.

Next Match vs. Paraguay: Preview & Best Bets | Summer Olympic Games Gold Medal Tracker
6. Argentina +270 vs. France
Argentina will be a shock to be so low on the list, but they have looked up and down. Their only loss was mired in some controversy with a stoppage in play, 15 minutes of added time, and their late equalizer being chalked off by VAR. It has been indicative of some of the weaknesses in their squad. Their defense has not looked sharp when faced with quality opposition, even with Nicolas Otamendi in their backline. Another worry is Julian Alvarez's lack of goals; the young forward has a high work rate and can create for others, but he will need to score if Argentina is to progress deep into the tournament. La Albiceleste's finish in their group also has them playing France in the knockouts, which lowers their prospect of a podium position.

Next Match vs. France: Preview & Best Bets | Where to Watch the Olympics (updated)
7. USA +225 vs. Morocco
The United States picked themselves up after a brutal 3-0 loss to the hosts in their opening-day match. Since then, they have looked much better in their two wins, displaying tactical flexibility and ability to change their shape. They also showed their attacking quality, scoring seven goals in the next two while only conceding one. You may ask why they are ranked so low; they lose some points when you consider the level of their opposition. In their only match against a top team in France, they looked overwhelmed, and that looms large. Still, they've grown into the tournament and can make a run for a medal if players like Tanner Tessmann, Paxten Aaronson, and Griffin Yow continue their level of play.

Next Match vs. Morocco: Preview & Best Bets | USA Men's Soccer Roster
8. Paraguay +155 vs. Egypt
Paraguay managed to dig themselves out of the early hole they created after their 5-0 loss to Japan and qualify for the knockout round. Marcelo Fernandez has shown up massively. He scored two goals against Israel and the winner against Mali. Diego Gomez likewise performed up to the expectations, notching two assists and adding a layer of creativity to their midfield. Another player who has been fun to watch is Brighton forward Julio Enciso. His direct manner of playing makes him a must-watch, as he's constantly taking on defenders or looking for an angle to shoot. Despite their attacking flourish the reason they are ranked so low is their defense, they qualified with a -2 goal difference and with the amount of pressure they allow it makes them one of the most vulnerable teams left at the Olympics.

Next Match vs. Egypt: Preview & Best Bets | Where to Watch the Summer Olympic Games
1. France +100 vs. Argentina
France has lived up to all the expectations people had for them heading into the tournament. One of two teams to win all their games, they've been entirely in command of all three of their victories. Manager Thierry Henry has set his squad up well, giving the hometown crowd many reasons to cheer. As expected Les Bleus deep squad has been effective and dangerous. Players such as Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Michael Olise have impacted games to their usual level. France has players at every position capable of turning the game on its head. They'll face a tough test when they play Argentina, but there is no reason to expect them to look anything but dominant.

Next Match vs. Argentina: Preview & Best Bets | Where to Watch the Olympics (updated)

Men’s Soccer Quarterfinals Power Rankings 1-8 Olympic Games Paris 2024

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