Les Bleus are now just one victory away from advancing to the knockout rounds after a solid 3-0 victory over the USA in Marseille just a few days ago.
Guinea could well need a win in order to stay in contention in Group A after they were defeated by 2-1 by New Zealand in their opening group game.
Last Time Out
Although France got off to a comfortable start against the USA, it took them a while to get their bearings in their Olympic opener.
The first half was mainly dominated by the USA, with France not looking like the team that had dominated a lot of their warm-up games for this tournament.
This pattern continued into the second half with France still not seeming like the team the quality of their side suggested. However, a spark of magic from their veteran captain Alexandre Lacazette in the 61st minute saw his side take an unexpected lead.
This did not instantly trigger a period of dominance, however, as Guillaume Restes pulled out a super save to deny a great Paxten Aaronsen strike, with John Tolkin also hitting the post soon after as the US looked for a way back into the game.
Despite this, Michael Olise finally managed to settle the nerves in the 69th minute, as his curled effort found the corner brilliantly to establish France’s lead in the game for the first time.
The second goal really dampened US spirits, as France took control of the latter stages of the game with a comfortable lead. They sealed off the victory in the 85th minute, as his headed goal confirmed a big win for Thierry Henry’s side.
Guinea suffered a similar fortune to the USA in their opening game, as their dominance was not enough as they fell to their narrow defeat to New Zealand.
New Zealand started the game on the front foot, as an early penalty was missed by Matthew Garbett but he fortunately was able to score the rebound straight after.
The bad luck continued for Guinea throughout a lot of the first half, as they dominated the statistics in practically every way but could not find the back of the net.
This form continued into the second half, as they continued to dominate a lacklustre New Zealand side but they could not find a way back into the game.
Their dominance finally prospered in the 72nd minute, as a fantastic strike from Amadou Diawara finally gave Guinea the goal they needed to get back into the game.
What many thought was the goal that would propel Guinea into victory, it was actually the complete opposite. Just four minutes after their equaliser, Ben Waine broke Guinean hearts as he smashed the ball into the top-left corner to seal the three points for the Kiwis.
Players To Watch
France go into this game as heavy favourites, with Henry’s men being labelled as not only the favourites to win the group, but the gold medal too.
Guinea however will be playing with a sense of desperation, knowing that a loss could potentially eliminate them from the Olympic Games at the earliest possible opportunity.
Michael Olise will likely continue his fantastic form into this second game. The new Bayern Munich starlet was tipped to perform very well during this tournament and his goal in the first game confirmed that he is on top form at these Olympics.
Ilaix Moriba is highly touted within this Guinea side. The 21-year-old plays his football for RB Leipzig and has lots of potential. After fairly consistent minutes throughout the Bundesliga season, Moriba will look to help rejuvenate his country’s qualification hopes in Nice.
Match Details
The game will take place at the Allianz Riviera Stadium in Nice, France as the hosts look to secure their future in the Olympic Games.
The game begins at 8:00 pm (CEST) and people who want to watch will be able to watch on free-to-view television channels across the world.
