The men’s soccer sport at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has reached the semifinals. Mexico meets Brazil, while host Japan is challenged by Spain.
In the quarter-final match which was held simultaneously on Saturday (31/7/2021), Spain and Ivory Coast became the first teams to meet. La Rojita qualified for the semifinals after going through a tight duel for 120 minutes.
Spain won 5-3 after falling behind twice. The hero of the victory was Rafa Mir who came on as a substitute and scored three goals. Two other goals were made by Dani Olmo and a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty.
Ivory Coast had to hold back the pain despite winning twice through Eric Bailly and Max Gradel. So Spain’s opponents in the semifinals were hosts Japan who got rid of New Zealand on penalties.
After a goalless draw for 90 minutes plus 2×15 minutes of extra time, Japan won 4-2 in the high-fives round. The other quarter-final pits defending champions Brazil against Egypt.
The Selecao also won 1-0 over Egypt through Matheus Cunha’s goal in the 37th minute. Brazil will meet Mexico in the semifinal which is a repeat of the 2012 London Olympics final. At that time Brazil lost 1-2.
Mexico won big over South Korea with a score of 6-3. Henry Martin and Sebastian Cordova each scored two goals, while the remaining two goals came from Luis Romo and Eduardo Aguirre.
South Korea scored three goals through Lee Dong-gyeong (two goals) and Hwang Ul-jo. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics semifinals will be held simultaneously on Tuesday, August 3 at two different venues.
Mexico vs Brazil was held first at the Kashima stadium, Kashima, while Japan vs Spain at the Saitama stadium. The winners will meet in the final on August 7, while the losers will fight for the bronze medal on August 6.
2020 Olympic Football Semifinals
Mexico Vs Brazil
Kashima stadium, Kashima
Tuesday 3 August
17.00 WIB
Japan Vs Spain
Saitama stadium, Saitama
Tuesday 3 August
20.00 WIB
(mrp/raw)
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