Completion of the match table against Spain, the invincible fleet in the quarterfinals of the Olympics 'Day Football Daylight'
Jul 31, 2024
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Japan will face Spain in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The revenge match against Spain, which caused frustration in the semifinals of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, took place in three years. The quarterfinals between the two teams will be held in Lyon, France, on the 3rd of next month.
From Japan's point of view, it is an unexpected match.
Japan beat Israel 1-0 in the third Group D match of the Olympics in Nantes-Stade de la Bonjour, France, with a dramatic first-minute goal from Hosoya Mao in the second half, securing the top spot in the group with three wins.
The team that will compete with the top-ranked team in Group D in the quarterfinals is the second-ranked team in Group C. Egypt was the favorite for the second-ranked team in Group C. Ahead of the final Group C match, Spain led Group C with six points and Egypt was in second place with four points. Even if the match between Spain and Egypt ended in a draw in Bordeaux, France, on the 31st, the first and second rankings would be maintained.
However, Spain, which secured a place in the quarterfinals early, gave a big break to its main players in the final match, turning the rotation and being hit by Ibrahim Adele in the 40th minute and 17th minute of the second half. Samuomorodion scored only one goal in the 45th minute of the second half, losing 1-2. Egypt (7 points), Spain (6 points), Dominican Republic (2 points) and Uzbekistan (1 point).
Subsequently, Japan beat Israel in the final match without unexpected changes, reaching the quarterfinals as the only team to win all three games and facing Spain. Paraguay, ranked second in Group D, will face Egypt, ranked first in Group C.
After the final group match, the quarterfinals were confirmed. On the 2nd of next month, host France and South American strong team Argentina will hold a Preview Final. On the 3rd, Japan and Spain will clash again on the Olympic stage for the first time in three years, and Morocco, the United States, Egypt and Paraguay will compete for the semifinals. After the semifinals on the 6th, the long-awaited final will be held on the 10th at Paris' Parc des Princes.
South Korea failed to advance to the Olympic finals for the first time in 40 years after being eliminated early at the U-23 Asian Cup.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
