It is quarter final day at the football tournament in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with the eight sides heading into the four matches knowing that they are two wins away from an iconic Olympic medal.
The group stage saw plenty of shocks and surprises and as such we have lost sides like the defending champions Mexico, the twice former champions Argentina and the European champions at under 21 level Sweden. We have eight decent sides left though and should get some great games.
Portugal vs Germany
The quarter finals begin with an interesting all-European battle with Group D winners Portugal taking on Group C runners up Germany. Portugal have looked good so far while Germany have fought their way through despite a defence which has been leakier than they would have liked.
Nigeria vs Denmark
Some would consider Nigeria surprise winners of Group B but not us as we tipped them to win the tournament before a ball was kicked. They go into this quarter final full of confidence while Denmark, runners up in Group A, will have to recover from a bit of a mauling by Brazil in their last group game.
South Korea vs Honduras
South Korea pipped Germany and Mexico to top spot in Group C which on its own highlights their quality. Honduras could be considered the weakest side in the last eight but having held Argentina in order to qualify they fully deserve to take their place in this quarter final although the odds would suggest they are up against it.
Brazil vs Colombia
The eyes of the nation will be on this match heading into the early hours of Sunday morning UK time. Brazil have impressed nobody in this tournament so far but they did come alive in their final group match and will hope to continue that momentum. Colombia battled hard to make it through and won’t want their efforts to go to waste.
Betting
I’m looking forward to four really good matches here. The cases can be made for Portugal and Colombia, especially the latter, but Germany and Brazil are still big time footballing nations and I’m slightly reluctant to take them on I have to admit even though Brazil aren’t impressing currently. I might regret that but the odds aren’t such that I’m compelled to take either on.
I’m already on Nigeria outright in this tournament and there isn’t the need to push things and back them at odds on even though I do believe they will see off Denmark. The nature of the Olympics is that this round is quite tight with the teams able to see the medal prospects growing and extra time and even penalties is a danger to a 90 minute bet.
I do think South Korea will come through in 90 minutes though. They impressed me in London four years ago and have probably been even better here. I totally respect Honduras and I’ve actually enjoyed watching them at times but for me the better quality from these two is with the Asian side and as such I’m going to back them in what might be a tighter match than expected but one South Korea can come out victorious in.
They will be my only bet on a day of potentially very tight matches and plenty of drama, tears, joy and ecstasy for those involved.
Tips
Back South Korea to beat Honduras for a 4/10 stake at 2.05 with 188bet
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