Iraq vs Denmark:
Olympics 2016: Group A,
Date: Thursday, August 4, 2016,
Kick-off: 17:00 UK.
Venue: Estadio Nacional de Brasilia.
Iraq kick start their Rio Olympic 2016 campaign when they meet Denmark for the Group A clash on Friday at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia.
Iraq were missing in Olympic tournaments after a heroic triumph in Athens 2004, an event which was won by Argentina. Iraq went all way to placed fourth following a 3-1 lost to Paraguay in semi-final and losing 1-0 to Italy that lost the Bronze medal to the Italians.
This is only the second time Iraq have made an appearance to the Olympic games since their achievement in 2004. They qualified for Rio as the best third placed team after beating tournament host Qatar 2-1 in the AFC 2016.
Denmark Olympic games participation story is similar to Iraq. The Scandinavians were crashed out of group stage in 1996 and did not qualify to Olympics again between 1996 and 2012. So this is also the second involvement in Olympic Games for about two decades.
However, Denmark made it to Rio 2016 through 2015 UEFA Euro U21 Championship where they were losing semi-finalits.
Teams Form Guide
Iraq began preparations to the Summer Rio 2016 with six friendly games from January 19, 2016 against Korea Republic U23 which resulted in 1-1. They went ahead to play additional five games winning three and two lost, scoring 11 goals and conceded five. But they lost 2-0 to Algeria U23 in their final friendly match.
Denmark played seven games in all competitions and are yet to be beaten winning five and two draws along with 19 goals and allowed eight. Their biggest win during the period was a 6-2 victory against Nigeria on 4th June 2016. Another notable result is the 4-1 hammering of Wolfsburg U23 on January 25.
Iraq vs Denmark: Prediction
Denmark are riding on the back of an impressive game victories in the calendar year 2016. They are coming into this summer Olympics on the back of a 7 match unbeaten run.
Iraq on the other hand shocked the world to make history in Athens 2004 after being out for 16 years. They trilled a Group that features Portugal, Morocco and Costa Rica, the most memorable win was a surprise 4-2 victory against Portugal in the opener game.
As this game being an opener, Iraq can once again pull a surprise as they did in Athens 2004 but Denmark will be also desperate to make a mark on Friday following a long absence in the tournament.
This could end up in a scored draw, but Denmark on the merit of their recent form and quality in squad are slight favourites to edge a win.
Predicted Scoreline: Iraq 1-1 Denmark
Iraq vs Denmark: Tips
- Under 2.5 goals.
- Double Chance – Denmark/Draw.
