Olympics: France vs. Brazil – prediction, team news, lineups
Olympic hosts France will attempt to reach the semi-final stage when they face Brazil in Saturday's last-eight clash in Nantes.
France collected six points from three matches to top Group A, while Brazil progressed as one of the best third-placed teams.
Match preview
France are set to make their third appearance in the Olympic quarter-finals after previously competing at this stage in 2012 and 2016.
Les Bleues began their home competition with a narrow 3-2 win over Colombia, before they gave up a slender lead to lose 2-1 to Canada in their second group match.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto went on to play a starring role in Wednesday's clash with New Zealand, netting a brace in the final group game to fire France into the knockout rounds as group winners.
Having negotiated the group phase, Les Bleues will have their eyes firmly set on claiming their first medal in the women's football tournament at the Olympics.
As they look towards Saturday's contest, France can take confidence from the fact they have won seven of their last eight matches against Brazil, including a 2-1 victory in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup.
Brazil have now reached the knockout rounds in all eight of their Olympic appearances despite experiencing a tricky group phase in France.
They kicked off their campaign with a narrow 1-0 win over Nigeria, before they conceded two stoppage-time goals to lose 2-1 to Japan in their second group match.
Their hopes of claiming a positive result in their final group game against world champions Spain were dealt a significant blow when Marta was sent off for a dangerous challenge in what could be her final appearance at the Olympics.
Brazil tried their utmost to keep La Roja at bay, but they were ultimately left with nothing to show for their efforts as Athenea del Castillo and Alexia Putellas got on the scoresheet to condemn the Selecao to a 2-0 defeat.
They still managed to progress as one of the best third-placed sides, setting up a tricky tie against the tournament hosts who they will need to beat if they are to have any hope of winning an Olympic medal for the first time since 2008.
France Olympic Games form: WLW
France form (all competitions): WWLWLW
Brazil Olympic Games form: WLL
Brazil form (all competitions): WWWWLL
France vs. Brazil odds
With a 60.00% win probability France Women are the expected winners in their upcoming duel with Brazil Women, who only have a 20.80% win probability as these two teams prepare to fight for a spot in the semi-finals.
France Women Odds: 4/6 – 60.00% probability
Draw Odds: 3/1 – 25.00% probability
Brazil Women Odds: 19/5 – 20.80% probability
Meanwhile, if we look at some of the most popular goal markets for this match, we can see that over 2.5 total goals has odds of 10/13, which is the same as a 56.50% probability. On the other hand, we can see that under 2.5 total goals comes with 27/25 odds and a 48.10% probability.
On top of this, both teams to score is priced at 4/5 odds, which implies a 55.60% probability.
Team News
France are hopeful that captain Wendie Renard will be passed fit despite being forced to miss the win over New Zealand due to injury.
Sandie Toletti and Kadidiatou Diani could be recalled after the trio dropped down to the bench for the final group game.
Katoto will be looking to continue her fine run of form, having scored five goals in three group matches to move top of the Olympic scoring charts.
Brazil legend Marta will miss the quarter-final through suspension following her dismissal in Wednesday’s defeat to Spain.
Antonia picked up an injury issue in the final group game with the full-back now a doubt for Saturday’s quarter-final.
Brazil boss Arthur Elias could be tempted to freshen up his side, with Gabi Portilho and Jheniffer among those who could be considered for a starting spot.
France Women possible starting lineup: Peyraud-Magnin; Lakrar, Mbock, Renard, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Toletti, Bacha; Diani, Cascarino, Katoto
Brazil Women possible starting lineup: Lorena; Thais, Tarciane, Lauren, Tamires; Ludmila, Duda, Yaya, Jheniffer; Kerolin, Portilho
We say: France 3-1 Brazil
France experienced some inconsistency in the group stage, but we still think they will do enough to beat a Brazil side who may be low on confidence after suffering consecutive defeats.
