Olympic football: Spain soar past Japan, Morocco dominate USA

Fermín López’s dazzling double inspired Spain to a convincing 3-0 victory over Japan in the Olympic men’s football quarter-finals on Friday, setting up a semi-final clash with Morocco.

The Barcelona midfielder opened the scoring with a powerful left-footed drive from distance before adding a second with a sublime volley from Sergio Gómez’s corner. Abel Ruiz completed the rout late on.

Spain, Olympic champions in 1992 and silver medallists in Tokyo, will face a formidable challenge in the semi-finals against Morocco, who produced a dominant 4-0 win over the United States.

Soufiane Rahimi converted a first-half penalty before Ilias Akhomach and Achraf Hakimi extended Morocco’s lead in the second half. Mehdi Maouhoub added a fourth spot-kick to complete the rout.

The North African side have been a revelation at the tournament, captivating a passionate Moroccan diaspora in France.Their victory over the USA was emphatic, with Rahimi, the tournament’s top scorer, continuing his impressive form.

Morocco’s win sets up a mouthwatering semi-final against Spain, with both teams aiming to reach the gold medal match.

The remaining quarter-finals see Egypt face Paraguay, while hosts France take on Argentina in a highly anticipated clash.

(Source: AFP)