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Favourites for the men’s Olympic football gold medal Brazil get their tournament underway this evening when they go up against Egypt at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
The Brazilians have a side that has an incredible amount of talent that could go all the way in this competition. They will want to get off to a winning start.
They looked to have picked their three older players very wisely with a defender Thiago Silva, midfielder Marcelo and striker Hulk. All these players are proven at the highest level and very much in their peak at the moment.
Brazil then have the incredibly exciting younger players such as Lucas, Neymar, Oscar and Alexandre Pato. There looks to be a fantastic balance in the squad and should they be at their best, will be very difficult to stop.
They then also have the advantage of not playing in the European Championships earlier in the summer, so their players will be fresh and raring to go.
Brazil have never won this tournament in the past but have taken silver and bronze medals on numerous occasions.
This time out, they will be desperate to end their wait for gold and look in fantastic shape to do just that.
As for their opponents Egypt though, they are certainly not a team to be taken lightly.
They have only selected two players that play their football outside of the Egypt league. This should mean the side has a great unity as a few players are in the same club sides.
Egypt have not played in the Olympics since 1992 so will feel as though they have a point to prove.
They will know that it does not get much tougher than this in terms of an opening game. However, should they take a result, will be confident of reaching the knockout stages.
Match Winner
It is no surprise that Brazil are the huge favourites going into this evenings encounter. They are being offered at 1.22 (2/9) with Betfred.
Egypt will be aware that it will take one of the best performances in their history to take all three points. You can back them at 21.00 (20/1) with Betfair.
A draw is available at 7.00 (6/1) with BetVictor.
First Goal-Scorer
The highly-rated forward Neymar looks to be the favourite to break the deadlock this evening, this happening is being offered at 4.50 (7/2) with Ladbrokes.
You have to go some way down the list to find an Egypt player to score first. Emad Metab is their best chance though with odds of 11.00 (10/1) with Coral.
Recommended Bet
Expect Brazil to come flying out of the traps and take this game comfortably. A 4-0 win for them can be backed at 12.00 (11/1) with Blue Square.
