The Dream Team is back in the semifinals of the Olympics. The 1996 gold medalists and 2008 silver medalists took care of Denmark 2-0 in the quarterfinals thanks to goals from John Obi Mikel and Umar Sadiq.
The Nigerians prevailed despite missing star Etebo Oghenekaro, who suffered a hamstring injury late in their 2-0 loss to Colombia in their final group game. Etebo burst onto the scene by scoring four goals in Nigeria’s thrilling 5-4 win over Japan in their opening group game.
Etebo still has a chance to be fit in time for the semifinals, but he likely won’t be at 100 percent even if he does play. Nevertheless, the African champions still have enough attacking talent to trouble the Germans. Junior Ajayi has yet to get on the scoresheet in Brazil, but the 20-year-old has 10 goals in 21 caps for the U-23s.
Defense will be the Dream Team’s big question mark, especially against a dangerous German attack. Nigeria has allowed six goals in four games, the most out of the four semifinal teams.
Germany’s offense has simply been a juggernaut in Brazil. They’ve scored an incredible 19 goals in four games, although 10 came against lowly Fiji in their final group game. Nevertheless, the Germans showed that they can deliver a beatdown on just about anyone as they thrashed a very good Portugal team 4-0 in the quarterfinals.
Serge Gnabry is making quite a case for being named player of the tournament. The Arsenal youngster has scored in all four games thus far, and has a tournament-high six goals overall. Nils Petersen has five (all against Fiji), Max Meyer has three (also all against Fiji), while Davie Selke and Matthias Ginter each have two. The Germans should get even more chances on goal against a Nigerian side which likes to play an open game.
The German defense didn’t look convincing early on at all as it conceded five goals against Mexico and South Korea. It looked much more assured in the quarterfinal against Portugal, though. It remains to be seen which version of that defense will show up against Nigeria, but the offense looks good enough to make up for any shortcomings at the back.
Writer’s Prediction
Germany (-103) outguns Nigeria as Gnabry and co. grab a 3-1 win.
