New Delhi: The Paris Olympics 2024 is underway, with qualifiers of different sports starting today including football. According to the event rules, the football competition will be held for U-23 players while three senior players can be included in the starting XI. High-profile names like Nicolas Otamendi, Julian Alvarez, and Alexandre Lacazette are all playing in the hunt for gold.
The first round of the men’s football tournament in the Paris Olympics 2024 commenced on July 24, 2024. Recently crowned UEFA Euro 2024 winners, Spain faced Uzbekistan and Copa America 2024 winners, Argentina faced a tough Moroccan side. The matches saw the European champions clinching a victory against their opponents, while Argentina scored a last-minute goal to secure a draw.
Marc Pubill’s inspirational performance helped Spain beat Uzbekistan in the opening fixture
Spain’s Sergio Gomez celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the men’s group C match between Uzbekistan and Spain at Parc des Princes, Paris. Picture date: Wednesday July 24, 2024. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
Spain beat Uzbekistan 1-2 with goals from Almeria right-back Marc Pubill and wonderkid Sergio Gomez. Eldor Shomudorov’s penalty in the dying minutes of the first half leveled up the score, but the Spaniards dominated the entire second half. The dominance led to Sergio Gomez scoring the second Spain goal in the 62nd minute.
Marc Pubill of Spain’s U23 team scored the first goal with a right-footed shot from the right side of the six-yard box, placing the ball in the bottom right corner in the 29th minute. This goal was set up by Abel Ruiz, who provided a header pass during a set-piece situation. After that, Eldor Shomurodov scored for Uzbekistan in the 45th minute with a penalty. He shot the ball with his right foot into the bottom left corner of the goal.
In the 62nd minute, Sergio Gómez of Spain’s U23 team scored with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. The goal was assisted by Juan Miranda. Marc Pubill yet again played a crucial part in the goal, showcasing a wonderful performance to help Spain secure the win.
Cristian Medina’s last-minute header helped Argentina secure a draw from the tough Moroccan test
SAINT-ETIENNE, FRANCE – JULY 24: Cristian Medina #8 of Team Argentina celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Men’s group B match between Argentina and Morocco during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on July 24, 2024 in Saint-Etienne, France. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Argentina and Morocco drew 2-2 in an exciting match, with Soufiane Rahimi scoring twice for Morocco and Cristian Medina rescuing Argentina with a late header. The game saw Argentina hit the post three times in the final ten minutes, and the decision to add 16 minutes of stoppage time, which stirred controversy, only added to the drama.
Soufiane Rahimi scored first for Morocco with a strong right-footed shot from close range, hitting the top right corner of the net after a pass from Bilal El Khannouss. Rahimi then added another goal by converting a penalty, shooting into the bottom left corner.
Argentina responded with two goals of their own. Giuliano Simeone scored with a close-range shot into the bottom right corner, set up by a pass from Julio Soler. The match was capped off when Cristian Medina headed in a goal at 90+16 minutes, securing a dramatic equaliser for Argentina. The extra time added was much debated, but the match was unforgettable for its intensity and the late heroics.
Recently crowned UEFA Euro 2024 winners, Spain faced Uzbekistan and Copa America 2024 winners, Argentina faced a tough Moroccan side. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
