OlyWhites go into Games quarter-final with odds stacked against them

posted in: News, Recognition

New Zealand’s OlyWhites are rated longshots to beat hosts Japan in Saturday’s quarter-finals of the men’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics.

In the lead-up to the match, the TAB was at first offering odds of $10 on a New Zealand win but by matchday, the odds have loosened to $13.

Meanwhile, Japan are rated hot favourites to win the tie, paying a mere $1.22.

Click here for latest odds on the quarter-finals >>>>

Of all the quarter-finalists, Japan are the most heavily backed to reach the semi-finals.

Favourites to win the other ties are Spain, Brazil and Mexico.

If New Zealand can overcome Japan, they’ll meet the winner of Spain v Ivory Coast.

The last eight

Here’s Saturday’s quarter-finals (all NZT):

Spain v Ivory Coast (8pm)

Japan v New Zealand (9pm)

Brazil v Egypt (10pm)

South Korea v Mexico (11pm)

Always remember …

Few gave New Zealand any chance of avoiding defeats to Italy, Slovakia or Paraguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup Fianls in South Africa.

The 1000-1 outsiders for the tournament, the All Whites stunned the football world, going unbeaten through the group stages (where they were rated 66-1 longshots to qualify).

The odds of drawing with world champions Italy were remote …

But in a game of 90 minutes, anything can happen in football.

Go, the OlyWhites!