Spain secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Olympic men’s football with a decisive 3-0 victory over Japan, thanks to a standout performance by Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, while Morocco delivered a dominant performance against the United States.
The opening goal came from Lopez, a key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, who scored a spectacular left-footed strike from distance in the 11th minute. He later added another goal in the 73rd minute, controlling a corner from Sergio Gomez before volleying in with his right foot.
Captain Abel Ruiz sealed the victory with a late goal as Japan struggled to clear another dangerous corner from Gomez.
Having been Olympic champions in 1992 and silver medallists in Tokyo three years ago, Spain will face Morocco in the semi-finals in Marseille on Monday. Morocco cruised to a 4-0 victory over the USA in Paris, with goals from Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach, Captain Achraf Hakimi, and Mehdi Maouhoub.
After topping their group ahead of Argentina, Morocco is emerging as a strong contender for the gold medal. The Moroccan community in France has shown massive support for the team, which recently won the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
– France, Argentina Clash Ahead –
Meanwhile, the remaining quarter-finals will take place later today, featuring Egypt against Paraguay and hosts France facing off against two-time gold medalists Argentina in Bordeaux.
This encounter marks the first meeting between the nations since Argentina players faced criticism for singing racist chants directed at their French counterparts during the Copa America celebrations in mid-July. FIFA has launched an investigation into the incident, which included offensive remarks targeting star striker Kylian Mbappe and others.
AFP