Tokyo Olympics: Brazil set up Mexico date in semis; Japan to face Spain

By
Shoumik Das
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Matheus Cunha (R). (Source: Siapgrak)

Tokyo: Defending champions Brazil got a step closer on the quest for glory at Tokyo Olympics registering a 1-0 victory over Egypt in the quarterfinal on Saturday. The all-important goal came from Matheus Cunha who was set up by Richarlison in the first half.

Incidentally, Brazil is the only South American nation at the Tokyo Olympics last four. Attacker Antony who plays for Dutch giants Ajax was superb throughout the game despite a narrow scoreline at the Saitama Stadium.

Brazil’s semifinal opponent will be Mexico who stormed their way into the last four crushing South Korea 6-3 in the other game of the day. Henry Martin (12th, 54th) and Fransisco Cordova (39th, 63rd) both struck a brace each with Luis Romo (30th) and forward Eduardo Aguirre (84th) adding one each.

Despite South Korea’s defeat, Asia will have a representative from their contingent as hosts Japan edged past New Zealand on a penalty shootout (4-2) after the game finished on a mute scoreline. The Japanese side have high hopes on their young sensation Takefusa Kubo to bring glory to the nation.

Elsewhere, Spain became the only European side into the last four after breezing past  Ivory Coast 5-2. Dani Olmo (30th) opened the scoring early in the first half before Eric Bailey (10th) and Max Gradel (90+1) helped the African powerhouse drag the game into extra time. Rafa Mir had scored in 90+3 minutes.

Mikel Oyarzabal led the comeback with his 97th-minute strike from the spot before Mir added a couple in the 117th and 120th minutes to complete his hat-trick and set up a semifinal date with Japan.

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