- All 16 teams are in action in the second round of Group matches on Saturday
- Recommended bets:
- Both teams to score in Ukraine vs Morocco
- Mali draw no bet vs Japan

The first round of Olympic Men’s football action threw up some shocks as Morocco defeated one of the favourites Argentina 2-1 and 25/1 shots Ukraine were beaten by Iraq. 

However, there is still plenty to play for in Saturday’s second round and while the favourites France and Spain should continue their strong starts, there could be more surprises on the way at the Olympics. 

Ukraine vs Morocco (Saturday, 6pm)

The stats

Ukraine suffered a surprise loss in their opening match, losing 2-1 to Iraq, but they had gone seven games without defeat prior to that shock result. 

Morocco, meanwhile, were on the other side of an upset as they defeated Argentina, who named a strong side including Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, 2-1 on Wednesday. 

However, they lost 1-0 to Ukraine’s under-21 side just four months ago and could have to work hard for a result on Saturday. 

Prediction

Ukraine will be keen to get some points on the board after their opening-day defeat but, in reality, they are unlucky not to have at least one already. 

They won the shot count 11-5 and the expected goals 3.02-1.05 in their defeat to Iraq while also having 55% of the possession. A repeat of that strong performance would stand them in good stead against Morocco, who know a win would see them qualify from Group B. 

The Atlas Lions did well to defeat Argentina, especially given the crowd trouble in the contest, but they will need an equally strong performance to secure three points again, given they lost 1-0 to Ukraine’s under-21s in March. 

Morocco are the stronger side on paper and will almost definitely score, but backing Ukraine to also get on the scoresheet could prove profitable. 

The Blue and Yellow’s under-21s beat France and England last year while their under-23s have netted 16 goals in their last 17 games, highlighting the talent throughout their squad. 

Back both teams to score at evens with LiveScore Bet.

Japan vs Mali (Saturday, 8pm)

The stats

Japan recorded the biggest win of the opening round, thrashing Paraguay 5-0 in Bordeaux. 

Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by Israel in their opener, but dominated throughout and will be keen to build on the promise they showed in that match. 

Prediction

Japan were impressive in their 5-0 thrashing of Paraguay, although the final result may have flattered them. Their opponents received a 25th-minute red card and the Samurai Blue had plenty of space to exploit in Bordeaux. 

Mali are unlikely to allow them the same amount of freedom and given it was Les Aigles who ran out 3-1 victors when the two nations’ under-23 sides clashed in March, it could be worth backing them to repeat the feat on Saturday, with the draw on side. 

Les Aigles are unbeaten in eight matches and racked up 25 shots against Israel in their opener. Japan gave up nine shots against the 10 men of Paraguay and could be vulnerable against a more talented Mali side. 

Back Mali draw no bet at 31/20 with LiveScore Bet.