Olympic Soccer 2016: Updated Group-Stage Schedule, Odds and Predictions
Home side Brazil are still to score a goal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, as the men’s soccer team were held to a 0-0 draw against Iraq on Sunday.
It’s the second time the Selecao have suffered a stalemate, with the pressure of hosting seeming to inhibit Neymar and Co. It means their passage into the quarter-finals is still not secure ahead of their final group game against an unbeaten Denmark side.
Elsewhere on Day 2 of the Games, there was a big win for Mexico against Fiji, a thrilling draw between Germany and South Korea, while Portugal and Nigeria made it two wins from two.
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Here’s a look at the matches to come in the men's and women's competitions, plus how the bookmakers are seeing things at this juncture.
| Group | Date | Time (ET) | Fixture |
| F | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 3 p.m. | Germany vs. Canada |
| F | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 3 p.m. | Australia vs. Zimbabwe |
| G | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | Colombia vs. United States |
| G | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | New Zealand vs. France |
| E | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 9 p.m. | South Africa vs. Brazil |
| E | Tuesday, Aug. 9 | 9 p.m. | China vs. Sweden |
| Group | Date | Time (ET) | Fixture |
| D | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 12 p.m. | Algeria vs. Portugal |
| D | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 12 p.m. | Argentina vs. Honduras |
| C | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 3 p.m. | Germany vs. Fiji |
| C | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 3 p.m. | South Korea vs. Mexico |
| B | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | Japan vs. Sweden |
| B | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | Colombia vs. Nigeria |
| A | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 9 p.m. | Denmark vs. Brazil |
| A | Wednesday, Aug. 10 | 9 p.m. | South Africa vs. Iraq |
| Brazil | 11-10 |
| Germany | 5-1 |
| Argentina | 17-2 |
| Portugal | 7-1 |
| Mexico | 10-1 |
| Colombia | 14-1 |
| Nigeria | 16-1 |
| Sweden | 18-1 |
Odds accurate as of Aug. 8 at 9 a.m. (BST). Full listing available via Oddschecker.
Brazil vs. Denmark
With Neymar leading them into this tournament, Brazil were the big favourites to win gold. But the Selecao have stumbled their way through the first two games in Group A without finding the back of the net, casting doubts over their chances of glory.
Indeed, the matches against South Africa and Iraq were expected to be straightforward for the host nation. Against dogged opposition, however, Brazil were without the ingenuity or incision to create clear-cut chances.
As noted by sports writer Tariq Panja, the team is going through a tough stint at the moment:
It means Wednesday's clash with Denmark is vital for the team if they are to keep their medal chances alive. And based on the displays of their opponents, it won’t be easy.
The Danes are yet to concede a goal against the same opposition, although they were able to get the better of South Africa in their last outing thanks to Robert Skov’s winner. The centre-back pairing of Edigeison Gomes and Jakob Blaabjerg have been resolute so far and will be confident keeping out an uninspiring Brazil attack.
As the Selecao Brasileira Twitter feed noted ahead of this one, if they fail to find the back of the net, qualifying will be tough:
That expectation needs to bring the best out of this group of players. Of course, there will be a lot of pressure on Neymar to up his levels, but the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Felipe Anderson need to provide the skipper with suitable support. They’ll just do enough to get by in this one.
Prediction: Brazil 1-0 Denmark
Mexico vs. South Korea
Mexico and South Korea will battle it out to finish top of Group C on Wednesday, with both sides in fine goalscoring form at the tournament so far.
The former, who are seeking to defend their Olympic title, beat Fiji 5-1 in their last match and seem to be coming into form at an ideal time following their 2-2 draw with Germany to start their tournament. In Oribe Peralta, Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez, El Tri have a lot of attacking firepower to call upon.
As noted by MisterChip (English) the performance of the latter against Fiji, when he netted four goals, was impressive:
In terms of attacking flair, South Korea have been the standout team at the tournament to this point. After hitting Fiji for eight goals in their opener, they performed superbly to draw 3-3 against Germany; South Korea were on for a memorable win until Serge Gnabry netted in stoppage time, too.
Sportswriter Cristian Nyari was impressed with the vibrant performance they turned in against a strong Germany outfit:
With both teams in a position to win the group with three points, expect an attacking approach from these sides and plenty more goals.
They’re tough to split at the moment, although Mexico have looked a little stronger in defence. That will give them an edge in this one, as they go in search of a second-consecutive gold medal.
Prediction: Mexico 3-2 South Korea
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