Argentina achieved a 3-1 victory over Iraq in Lyon, while Spain delivered a commanding 3-1 performance against the Dominican Republic in Bordeaux on the second matchday of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament on Saturday.
Following a chaotic opening loss to Morocco, Argentina bounced back strongly, taking the lead in Group B on goal difference and enhancing their prospects of advancing to the next round.
The Dominican Republic, making their Olympic debut, managed to score their first-ever Olympic goal, but it was not enough to overcome Spain. Spain’s victory in Group C secures their spot in the quarter-finals after their second group win.
In Lyon, Argentina struck first after 14 minutes with a volley from Thiago Almada, assisted by Julian Alvarez. Iraq’s captain Aymen Hussein equalized just before halftime with a brilliant header. However, Argentina regained the lead through substitute Luciano Gondou’s close-range finish, and Ezequiel Fernandez’s stunning strike six minutes from time ensured the win for the 2004 and 2008 gold medallists.
In Bordeaux, Spain took control early with Fermin Lopez capitalizing on a poor clearance by the Dominican goalkeeper to score in the 24th minute. Angel Montes de Oca equalized for the Dominicans with a powerful header from a corner in the 38th minute. However, their hopes were dashed when Edison Azcona received a red card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi. Spain regained the lead with Alejandro Baena’s long-range strike, which deflected into the net, and Miguel Gutierrez’s tap-in into an empty goal sealed the win.
Later on Saturday, hosts France, Israel, Japan, and the United States will be in action.
