Spain vs. France Gold Medal Match Predictions | Olympic Soccer Picks Today, Best Bets

The Gold medal game for the Olympic soccer tournament is upon us, and it will be a clash of two European giants. In the finale, the hosts, France, will face off against Spain.

Spain continued their summer to remember with a 2-1 win over Morocco. It was not a walk in the park for them despite being the favorites. They fell behind a goal in the first half. It took the heroics of Fermin Lopez to equalize, and their substitute, Juanlu Sanchez, scored in the 85th minute and sealed the game for La Roja.

The Spanish came into the tournament as third favorites and have been a force. Overwhelming teams with their offense, they have scored 11 goals thus far in the competition. Defensively, however, they have not been as impressive. Spain has only been able to keep one clean sheet during the entire tournament, and this matchup with France will be the most demanding test for their defense thus far.

France was also one of the favorites coming into the tournament, and it’s easy to see why when you look at their squad. They have, on paper, the most balanced team, full of youth and a solid veteran presence. Their game against Egypt was the first time they conceded all tournament, but with the crowd spurring them on, they overturned the tie and won 3-1 in extra time.

The French defense has been stifling. It has not surrendered many chances and has dealt with any threats in a confident and relaxed fashion. Their pairing of former Crystal Palace teammates Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta has paid dividends, with the two having combined for ten goals and four assists for Les Bleus. There are no obvious flaws on the French side that can be exploited.

Spain will aim to complete a double by winning a Gold medal to cap off their summer. It would also be their first Gold in the competition since Barcelona 92. France has similarly not won this competition in a long time. It has been 40 years since their triumph in Los Angeles back in 84.

Spain vs. France Where to Watch

Time: 12:00 PM ET | TV: NBC | Streaming: Peacock

Spain vs. France Best Bet

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been lethal in front of the net for the French. The Spanish defense has also yet to give me a reason to believe they will be up to the task of silencing Mateta. With his quality, physicality, and chemistry with former club teammate Michael Olise, I foresee Mateta giving the Parc des Princes a massive reason to cheer.

Jean Philippe Mateta Anytime Goal Scorer (+187)

Spain vs. France Top Prop

These teams have scored 22 goals in the tournament (11 each) up to this point. Their squads feature plenty of exciting players and have proven resilient, overturning scorelines and battling back when needed. Despite the French defense being so stout, it’s also fair to say the Spanish provide a different level of challenge than they have faced up to this point. I believe both teams will find the back of the net, so both teams to score is a prop I love.

Over 2.5 Goals (+127)

Spain vs. France Prediction

This is a great match to finish a tournament with many surprises, chaos, and unforgettable moments. These teams have been some of the most consistent on the international stage, with Spain finishing runners-up in the last Olympics and recently winning the Euros. France was a runner-up in the previous World Cup and won the one before. This game will be decided in the margins, and with the better total squad and a home crowd that will provide an electric atmosphere and boost, the French will break their 40-year Gold medal drought in Paris. 

Score: France 2 – Spain 1