Tokyo 2020 Olympics Betting Tips – 22 July 2021

Thursday sees the men’s Olympic football tournament kick off, with South Africa in action against Japan. There are plenty of other matches to choose from, with many offering superb value for money.

Olympics 2020 – 10 Stars Set to Shine in Tokyo

Men’s Football: Japan U23 v South Africa U23

It is always best to bet with head and not heart, and with Percy Tau out of the Olympics, it makes most sense to back the host nation in this fixture. Japan’s squad is not exactly star-studded, but the likes of Maya Yoshida and Takefusa Kubo are quality players with experience that David Notoane’s men can sadly only dream of.

South Africa were outperformed in two dismal warmup defeats to Egypt and have lost five players from the initial squad named by Notoane, but they do tend to give a good account of themselves at the Olympics. The “Win to Nil” market offers the greatest value, as a 1-0 win for Japan is covered. Even a dogged defensive display from Amaglug-glug is unlikely to keep Japan at bay for the entirety of the match.

Best Tip: Japan to win to zero at 1.64

Men’s Football: Brazil U23 v Germany U23

Brazil are the clear favourites against a Germany side which is short of star players. Kai Havertz is perhaps the most talented German player under 23 years of age, but he is not part of Stefan Kuntz’s squad.

Most of Germany’s players are locally-based, playing for clubs below the absolute elite of German football. Brazil, meanwhile, have stars in their squad including Richarlison, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli and Douglas Luiz. The team will be led by an old-timer in São Paulo right-back Dani Alves.

Brazil and Spain are the two teams most likely to win this tournament and the former should have little trouble against Germany.

Best Tip: Brazil to win at 2.05

Men’s Football: Egypt U23 v Spain U23

For all the quality that Egypt have, they are unlikely to be a match for a Spain side featuring the likes of Dani Ceballos, Pedri, Marco Asensio, Unai Simon, Pau Torres and Eric Garcia.

Many of these Spanish players had crucial roles in the senior national team’s run to the semi-finals of Euro 2020 under Luis Enrique. Now, under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, they will be desperate to get their hands on silverware.

Egypt’s squad of mostly locally-based players is unlikely to be able to match one of the most dangerous sides in the competition.

Best Tip: Spain -1 Handicap at 1.74