The Olympic men’s football tournament continues to thrill, with Spain and Japan becoming the first teams to secure their spots in the quarter-finals, while Argentina revived their campaign with a crucial win over Iraq.
Argentina’s Resurgence
After a tumultuous start with a 2-1 defeat against Morocco, marred by crowd trouble and a disallowed late equalizer, Argentina found their form to claim a vital 3-1 victory over Iraq on Saturday. Playing in Lyon, Argentina took an early lead in the 14th minute when Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez set up Thiago Almada, who found the back of the net with a fine strike.
Iraq, however, managed to equalize in first-half stoppage time through their captain Aymen Hussein, who headed home a crucial goal. The second half saw Argentina regain control, with substitute Luciano Gondou scoring just two minutes after coming on. Gondou’s header put Argentina back in front, and Ezequiel Fernandez sealed the win with a long-range effort five minutes from time.
The victory was a much-needed boost for Javier Mascherano’s side, who are now level on three points with all other teams in Group B, following Ukraine’s last-gasp 2-1 win over Morocco. This sets up an intriguing final round of group matches, with Argentina facing Ukraine and Morocco playing Iraq.
Spain and Japan Through to Quarter-Finals
Spain secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over the Dominican Republic in Bordeaux. Fermin Lopez opened the scoring for Spain, but the Dominican Republic, debuting in the tournament, equalized through Angel Montes de Oca. The match took a significant turn when Dominican captain Edison Azcona was sent off for violent conduct in first-half stoppage time.
Spain capitalized on the numerical advantage in the second half, with Alex Baena’s deflected strike restoring their lead, followed by Miguel Gutierrez’s close-range finish to secure the win. Egypt’s 1-0 win over Uzbekistan, courtesy of an early goal from Ahmed Koka, confirmed Spain’s passage to the knockout stages.
Japan, the winners of this year’s Under-23 Asian Cup, also advanced to the quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-0 win over Mali in Bordeaux. Rihito Yamamoto’s scrambled goal in the 82nd minute proved decisive, although Mali missed a golden opportunity to equalize from the penalty spot in injury time. Cheickna Doumbia’s missed penalty ensured Japan’s victory and a place in the last eight.
France on the Brink
Thierry Henry’s French team maintained their perfect record in Group A with a narrow 1-0 win over Guinea in Nice. Freiburg full-back Kiliann Sildillia scored the only goal of the match, heading in from a Michael Olise cross in the 75th minute. France, however, are not yet guaranteed a quarter-final spot and need a point against New Zealand on Tuesday to ensure their progression.
The United States also impressed in Group A, thrashing New Zealand 4-1 in Marseille. This result leaves France needing at least a draw against New Zealand in their final group game to advance.
Thrilling Matches in Group D
In Group D, Paraguay staged a dramatic comeback to beat Israel 4-2 in Paris, with Marcelo Fernandez scoring twice in stoppage time to secure the win for the 2004 silver medallists.
As the group stages draw to a close, the competition intensifies, with several teams vying for a place in the knockout rounds. The final round of group matches promises more excitement and drama as the path to Olympic glory continues.
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