Olympic Football Update: Spain and Japan Advance, Argentina Bounces Back

Argentina’s men’s football team recovered from their chaotic opening defeat to Morocco by securing a 3-1 victory over Iraq on Saturday. The win, coupled with Ukraine’s last-minute 2-1 victory over Morocco, means all four teams in Group B are now tied with three points each.

Thiago Almada opened the scoring for Argentina in the 14th minute, with Iraq’s Aymen Hussein equalizing just before halftime. Luciano Gondou restored Argentina’s lead shortly after coming on as a substitute, and Ezequiel Fernandez sealed the win with a long-range effort.

Spain and Japan Secure Quarter-Final Spots

Spain clinched their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic in Group C. Goals from Fermin Lopez, Alex Baena, and Miguel Gutierrez secured the victory after the Dominican Republic equalized through Angel Montes de Oca and had their captain Edison Azcona sent off.

Japan also advanced to the knockout stages with a dramatic 1-0 win against Mali, thanks to an 82nd-minute goal by Rihito Yamamoto. Mali missed a crucial penalty in injury time, failing to equalize.

France on Verge of Quarter-Finals

France edged Guinea 1-0 in Group A, with Kiliann Sildillia scoring the decisive goal. The United States thrashed New Zealand 4-1 in the same group, leaving France needing just a point in their next game to secure progress.

Other Notable Results

Ukraine’s Ihor Krasnopir scored a last-minute winner against Morocco, keeping Group B wide open. Paraguay defeated Israel 4-2 with two stoppage-time goals, enhancing their prospects in Group D.