Mens Olympic Football - Honduras U23 v Morocco U23

The mens Olympic Football begins in earnest with 8 matches per day during the group stages. The tournament opens on 26th July and we will take a look at all games with previews and betting tips where applicable. We open up with Group D and a game between two outsiders.

Mens Olympic Football - Game Day 1

Honduras U23 v Morocco U23 (Glasgow 12:00 GMT) Best Match Odds: 3.50 3.40 2.30 - Best Outright Winners Price: Honduras 201.0 & Morocco 81.0.

Olympic History:

• Honduras - P6   W1 D1 L4 GF6 GA12 GD -6 Best Finish - Group Stage.
• Morocco    - P20 W3 D3 L14 GF15 GA 45 GD -30 Best Finish -  2nd Round.

Recent Form:

• Honduras - P8 W5 D2 L1 GF14 GA8 GD +6 
• Morocco    - P3 W0 D2 L1 GF5   GA6 GD -1

Both teams head into Great Britain as real outsiders to win the tournament. Placed in Group D however one of these sides has a real chance of qualifying to the next round. Both sides plus Japan will fight it out for the 2nd place behind Spain in the group.

Key Points: Morocco are not at full strength, they were denied the selection of key players who could have made a huge difference. Both sides qualified from weak sections also. However Honduras have prepared well for the Games with 3 victories against fellow finalists, beating Gabon, UAE and Egypt. Morocco have not played many games together since 2011 with only the Toulon Tournament matches played.They were drawn in a tough group which they failed to get out of. Drawing games with France and Belarus and losing 4-3 to Mexico. 

Betting Analysis: Opening games are always tight affairs and this will be no different. Morocco would have been a lively candidate for this match if they had the chance to select their 3 overage players. Taarabt and Chamakh would have been great additions and Belhanda was unfortunate to get injured. Without these players the game becomes a more even contest. Betting wise Morocco are slight favourites and this is something I disagree on. Honduras go into the match better prepared and on a high after 3 nice wins against teams similar to Morocco.

Betting Predictions - Honduras Asian Handicap 0 @ 2.45 (Money Back if a draw) - Both Teams To Score Yes @2.20