Japan again failed to cross the Spanish wall. His first medal challenge in 56 years came to an end in the quarterfinals.
The Japanese Olympic team, led by head coach Oiwa Ko, lost 0-3 in the quarterfinals of men's football at the 2024 Paris Olympics against Spain at Stade de Lyon in Lyon, France, on the 3rd (Korean time). Japan suffered from losing to Spain in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics just before. Again, Spain ended the tournament with an ankle.
Japan aimed for its first medal in 56 years at the event since the bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico Olympics. Japan has been operating a team with an emphasis on the growth of national team players by age since two years ago under the Oiwa coach system. In the Hangzhou Asian Games held last year, Japan purposely formed a team of players younger than the competition's age standard. At that time, players born in 1999 or younger could participate in the Asian Games. The wild card (players over 24 years old) could also include up to three players. However, Japan worked hard on the Olympics to the extent that it allowed only young athletes born in 2001-2004 to participate and gain experience.
Photo = AFP Yonhap News
Japan did not pick a wild card player for this tournament either. All entries were filled with players under the age of 23. The atmosphere was not bad. Japan advanced to the tournament as No. 1 in Group D, beating Paraguay (5-0), Mali (1-0) and Israel (1-0). He showed a balance of seven goals and no runs in three games. However, Japan packed up as soon as the tournament started. He bowed his head to Spain's `one level' personal skills.
Spain took the lead 11 minutes into the match with a score by Fermin López. Japan seemed to balance with Mao Hosoya's score in the 40th minute of the first half. However, VAR ruled him offside and the score was canceled. Spain ended the victory by tying López's additional goal in the 28th minute of the second half and Abel Ruiz's net goal in the 41st minute of the second half.
Photo = AFP Yonhap News
사진=REUTERS Yonhap News
Japan's online edition of Tokyo Sports was devastated by Spain. He failed to advance to the semifinals for the second time in a row. After the game, goalkeeper Kokubo Leo wailed and vented his anger. After the game, he fell on the ground and couldn't move for a while. He stood up with the comfort of the Japanese and Spanish players, but his tears did not stop,' he reported.
The Football Channel, a Japanese football media outlet, said 'Score changed in the 11th minute of the game. Japan disappeared from the tournament with a final score of 0-3' According to another Japanese media outlet Sports Hochi, Oiwa won three consecutive group games without a wild card. It reached the quarterfinals. There will be pros and cons, but I think it's very valuable to be able to do it only with players under the age of 23. I don't know how long my confidence will last because I lost. But I hope it's a team that remains in my mind for the future of soccer"I was choked up.
사진=REUTERS Yonhap News
사진=REUTERS Yonhap News
사진=REUTERS Yonhap News
Meanwhile, in the other game, Morocco beat the U.S. 4-0 to be the first to confirm their advance to the semifinals. Host France also defeated Argentina 1-0 in the quarterfinals. Egypt won the ticket to the semifinals after a penalty shootout battle with Paraguay. The two teams drew 1-1 until overtime. Egypt won the penalty shootout 5-4. As a result, the semifinal match was completed with Morocco and Spain (1 a.m. on the 6th) and France and Egypt (4 a.m. on the 6th). Reporter Kim Autumn epi17@sportschosun.com
