Ukraine U23 vs Argentina U23 Predictions

• Both teams have scored in each of these sides’ two 2024 Olympics games
• Argentina have registered a combined 32 shots across their two matches in France this summer
• Ukraine beat Morocco 2-1 last time out, despite being reduced to ten men in the 63rd minute

It may be a mistake to underestimate Ukraine

It has already been a summer to remember for Argentina as they landed a second consecutive Copa America title earlier this month, but things are yet to really click for their younger stars at the Olympics. 

Manchester City star Julian Alvarez is yet to net in France, despite arguably being the best player in the competition, and La Albiceleste were beaten 2-1 by Morocco in their opener before failing to really impress against Iraq, allowing their far-less-talented opponents to register five shots on target on Saturday. 

Ukraine, meanwhile, defied the odds and circumstances to beat Morocco in their second match, winning 2-1 despite playing over a third of the match with ten men. That should have boosted their confidence ahead of this crucial match, and given they have lost just one of their last nine games, they could pull off another shock on Tuesday. 

Early exit on the cards for Argentina

One issue for Argentina has been their defence which, despite the presence of World Cup winner Nicolas Otamendi, has failed to keep a clean sheet in France. 

Ukraine have also seen both sides score in each of their games at the 2024 Olympics, but a frantic gamestate could suit them more than the talented Argentinians. Their win against Morocco came via some exceptional counter-attacking and they could be poised to pull off another shock. 

A group-stage exit would be an embarrassment for Argentina, who many felt could win the entire competition prior to its curtain-raiser, but that is looking like a real possibility and the Ukraine or draw double chance looks a big price.