Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez was the standout performer as Spain secured a 3-0 victory over Japan, propelling them into the semi-finals of the Olympic men’s football tournament. Meanwhile, Morocco delivered a commanding performance to outclass the United States 4-0, ensuring their place in the last four.
Lopez, who was also part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 squad, was instrumental in the quarter-final clash held in Lyon. The 21-year-old midfielder opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed strike from distance in the 11th minute. His second goal came in the 73rd minute, a stunning volley from the edge of the box after controlling a corner from Sergio Gomez. Abel Ruiz sealed Spain’s triumph with a late goal following another Gomez corner.
Spain, the Olympic champions from 1992 and silver medallists from Tokyo 2020, will now face Morocco in the semi-finals on Monday in Marseille. Morocco demonstrated their strength with an impressive 4-0 win over the United States at the Parc des Princes.
The Moroccan team, backed by a passionate home crowd, dominated the match from the start. Soufiane Rahimi opened the scoring with a penalty before Ilias Akhomach and captain Achraf Hakimi added to the tally in the second half. Mehdi Maouhoub rounded off the scoreline with another penalty in stoppage time, after VAR confirmed a handball by Nathan Harriel.
Rahimi, who currently plays in the UAE and is one of Morocco’s overage players, leads the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals in four games. Morocco, who topped their group ahead of Argentina, have emerged as strong contenders for gold in Paris.
The remaining quarter-finals will conclude later Friday with Egypt facing Paraguay and hosts France, managed by Thierry Henry, taking on two-time gold medallists Argentina in Bordeaux. This match will be the first encounter between the nations since Argentina players were recorded singing racist chants about French players following their Copa America victory in July. FIFA has announced an investigation into these incidents.
With Spain and Morocco now set for their semi-final clash, the excitement for the Olympic football tournament continues to build as teams edge closer to the gold medal match.
