Defending champions, Brazil, eased through to the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic football. Also, 2016 silver medallists, Germany, are eliminated.
Everton striker Richarlison scored two late goals. Depending on this Brazil beat Saudi Arabia 3-1 to finish top of Group D. Shocking news is that Ivory Coast is second in the group after holding Germany to a 1-1 draw.
In Group B, South Korea beat Honduras 6-0 to qualify as group winners.
New Zealand drew 0-0 with Romania to finish second on goal difference.
Brazil looked set to be held to a frustrating draw when a header from Saudi Arabia defender Abdulelah Al-Amri canceled out Matheus Cunha’s early opener at the Saitama Stadium.
Richarlison hit a hat-trick in Brazil’s opening group game against Germany. He edged them ahead again with 14 minutes remaining. It was before sealing the win in stoppage-time.
Germany is Out of Olympics Football
Germany needed to beat Ivory Coast to make it through. But, unfortunately, they fell behind midway through the second half. Then Benjamin Henrichs put the ball into his net while attempting a tackle in the six-yard box.
Eduard Loewen leveled with a free-kick six minutes later to set up a frantic finish, but despite piling on the pressure Germany could not find a winner.
Hosts Japan became the only side to win all three of their group games after thumping France 4-0 in Yokohama.
Goals from Hiroki Sakai, Takefusa Kubo, Koki Miyoshi, and Daizen Maeda sealed the victory. Also, it will set up a last-eight clash against New Zealand.
Mexico secured second place and will play South Korea next. They did a 3-0 win against South Africa, who lost all three of their group matches.
Egypt will play against Brazil in the quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Australia. It secured second place in Group C ahead of Argentina. They could only draw 1-1 with group winners Spain.
Argentina midfielder Tomas Belmonte scored a late equalizer to cancel out Mikel Merino’s opener. Still, it was not enough to prevent Argentina from slipping to third and bowing out.
Spain has ended with five points from their three group games. Spain is going to face Ivory Coast in the quarter-final.
All four teams in Group B went into the final round of games level on three points each. Still, it was South Korea who progressed as group winners as a hat-trick from Hwang Ui-jo helped secure a 6-0 win over Honduras. They are going with New Zealand who is joining them in the quarter-finals.
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