Football Olympics 2024: Highlights So Far and the Matches Ahead

The football Olympics 2024 kicked off on July 24 and global fans have witnessed a lot on the pitch during this tournament. Both the men’s and women’s events have undergone the quarter-finals and the stage is all set for the semi-finals to commence. In case you are lost in the sea of the Summer Games, this article will help you navigate through the past matches and also provide you with the schedule for the upcoming football Games at the Paris Olympics.

Football Olympics 2024: Men’s Events

After the intense group matches where France, Morocco, Egypt and Japan were the leaders of their four different groups, the quarter-finals were packed with surprises and some mesmerising goals. Here’s a quick recap of all the quarter-finals of the men’s football Olympics 2024.

Morocco Defeats the United States and Enters the Semis

The Moroccans started leading the game right during the first half when Soufiane Rahimi scored a penalty in the 29th minute. The second half saw a Moroccan takeover after Ilias Akhomach sent the ball past the American goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, and Achraf Hakimi also won a graceful shot. Morocco sealed the deal after El Mehdi Maouhoub scored the fourth Moroccan goal of the match with a penalty. 

Spain Defeats Japan To Secure A Spot in the Semis

Japan remained goalless, losing a chance to reach the semis as Spain made their way comfortably after two goals by Fermin Lopez, scored in the 11th and 73rd minute. The third Spanish goal in the 86th minute by Abel Ruiz saw them through to the men’s Olympic football semi-finals for the second time straight.

An Egyptian Victory in the Penalty Shootout Against Paraguay

After a first half with no goals, Paraguay set the lead in the 71st minute. However, Egypt scored an equaliser in the 88th minute, sending the match for added extra time and then to the penalty shootout. The game saw an Egyptian victory after they won all five penalties over the four wins by Paraguay.

The Hosts Defeat Argentina and Head to the Semis

Led by Thierry Henry, France secured an early lead when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored a goal just five minutes after the game began. The rest of the match remained goalless, after which, Argentina bade farewell, while France reached the Olympic men’s football semi-finals after forty years.

Schedule of the Upcoming Men’s Football Matches

Viewers in the UK can stream the men’s football Olympic matches on BBC, Eurosport and Discovery+. With just four matches left for the men’s football Olympics to conclude, let’s take a look at the complete schedule of the upcoming fixtures.

Football Olympics 2024: Women’s Events

In the women’s football Olympics 2024, France, USA and Spain led their three different groups after the heated group matches. Let’s take a quick look at how the quarter-finals wrapped up.

The United States Defeats Japan and Storm Through to the Semis 

The United States maintained a higher percentage of possession when they faced Japan on August 3. However, there was no goal in this match until Trinity Rodman’s strike secured an American victory in the first half of the added extra time.

Spain Wins in the Penalty Shootout Against Colombia

While Colombia scored twice (12th and 52nd minute), Spain came alive after the 79th-minute goal and scored an equaliser in the 97th minute. The match headed into the penalty shootout after the score stood steady during the added extra time. But Spain prevailed with four goals over Colombia’s two goals during the penalty shootout.

Germany Defeats Canada in the Penalty Shootout

The tough match between Germany and Canada remained goalless even in the added extra time. It was not until the penalty shootout that Germany scored four goals ensuring a place in the semis, while Canada was eliminated with two goals.

Brazil Defeats the Hosts to Secure a Spot in the Semis

An interesting game enfolded between France and Brazil where the race for possession was ongoing throughout the game. But during the 82nd minute, Gabi Portilho scored the deciding goal that saw the Brazilians through to the semis, defeating the hosts.

Schedule of the Upcoming Women’s Football Matches

Viewers in the UK can stream the women’s football Olympic matches on BBC, Eurosport and Discovery+. Here is the complete schedule of the upcoming women’s football matches that will determine who takes the gold medal home.

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