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This is the final round of Group C, where the three countries, Japan, Brazil and Nigeria, fight to qualify for the quarterfinals along with Spain. Japan are in pole position heading into the day, but things can change very temporarily in football.
START DATE/TIME: Wednesday 31 July 2024, United Kingdom – 4:00 p. m. m. / USA ET – 11:00 a. m. m. / US PT – 8:00 a. m. m.
HOW TO WATCH THE PARIS OLYMPIC GAMES ON TV: United Kingdom – BBC is the main broadcaster, while some events will be broadcast on Eurosport / United States – NBC is the main broadcaster, while some events will be broadcast on NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo
HOW TO WATCH OLYMPIC GAMES ONLINE BETS: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport and Eurosport Player / United States – Events can be streamed on the relevant NBCSN, CNBC, USA Network and Telemundo streaming platforms
JAPAN OVERVIEW: LAST-GASP ESCAPE
So far, the Olympic crusade has been competitive and dramatic for the Japanese. Aoba Fujino scored a wonderful free-kick to give Japan the lead against world champions Spain, before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat.
However, in their match, Japan made their own comeback. After a goalless coming into stoppage time, a penalty from Saki Kumagai and then a winner from Momoko Tanikawa in the 96th minute secured the 3 points.
NIGERIA PREVIEW: PLAYING WITH HEAD PRIDE
Nigeria is, along with continental rival Zambia, one of the two weakest countries in the festival according to FIFA rankings. However, they put in two tenacious performances to emerge from the matches with wonderful pride.
They suffered a 1-0 loss to Brazil in their first match, with Gabi Nunes scoring the only goal of the match in the 37th minute of that match before losing 1-0 to Spain due to a goal from Alexia Putellas.
JAPAN VS NIGERIA PREDICTION
Japan played enterprising football in this tournament and yet came within seconds of suffering back-to-back defeats in those matches. Now he has the possibility of signing Spain in the quarterfinals. Nigeria, however, has already made things incredibly difficult for two strong teams, so although Japan are favourites to win and qualify, it is expected to be another very close encounter.
JAPAN VS NIGERIA TIP: JAPAN TO WIN AND UNDER 3. 5 GOALS