Japan have an opportunity to clinch a spot in the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics with a victory over Mali in their second group-stage encounter.

Since 1996, Japan has been a consistent participant in every Olympic football tournament, qualifying for Paris 2024 by winning the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup with a 1-0 victory over Uzbekistan in the final.

Despite the absence of more experienced players, Japan's youthful squad displayed impressive attacking cohesion in their tournament opener last week. They capitalized on Paraguay being reduced to 10 men early in the match and went on to dominate the second half, securing a commanding 5-0 win. This victory puts them in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals.

In contrast, Mali is making just their second appearance in the Olympics, their first being in 2004 when they reached the quarter-finals. They qualified as the third African team, securing their spot through the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations where they finished third after defeating Guinea in a penalty shootout.

Mali began their 2024 Olympics campaign with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Israel at the Parc des Princes, with Cheickna Doumbia equalizing shortly after Hamidou Diallo's own goal.

Prediction: Japan 2-1 Mali

Japan vs Mali stream and TV listing

Luxembourg：Eurosport Player

Macedonia：MAX

International：Score808 808ball