Tijuana are still searching for their first league win of the season after just missing out in their 12th attempt due to a 94th minute equaliser for Santos.
Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente, or rather more easily referred to as just Xolos, are a relatively new club, having only been formed 17 years ago in 2007. They are named after the dog Xolo Mayor, the national dog of Mexico, which the ancient Aztecs considered sacred some 4,000 years ago.
Xolos made an incredibly strong impact very early on in their short history.
After just five seasons they had not only made it into Liga MX, the top division in Mexico, but had actually won the Championship in 2012, an incredible feat for such a new club.
This success is recognised by the three stars on their current team badge – one for promotion, one for winning the 2nd division and the third for winning the top division.
Tijuana continued their success onto the international stage by getting as far as the quarter finals of the Copa Libertadores the following season, with impressive victories along the way against Brazilian giants Corinthians and Palmeiras.
Their was a fairly sizeable crowd for their Friday night match against Santos Laguna in their 27,000 capacity Estadio Caliente.
From a pre-match tour of the tail gate party in the stadium’s car park, it was clear they have a sizeable support who travel across the nearby border from California in USA.
In fact, an upcoming event over the border may impact this club further when Major League Soccer arrives in San Diego next season just 20 miles north of Tijuana.
There is huge potential for a strong partnership between both clubs to promote and enhance football in both local communities across the border and there is already talk of an annual pre-season friendly between the clubs.
Xolos took full advantage of having the only artificial pitch in the 18-strong Liga MX by hosting two of their youth matches in the same stadium in the hours building up to the main kick off.
This makes for a great opportunity for fans to get a regular view of the upcoming talent for their club.
This season had not been rosy thus far for the winless Xolos. Eleven Liga MX games had produced seven draws and four losses.
They started the match against Santos in 16th position and in desperate need of a win. Santos meanwhile were riding high on confidence following three wins in a row, which had seen them climb to 12th position, after suffering four defeats in a row.
Santos continued this strong run by deservedly leading the match 1-0 at half time following a 28th minute goal by midfielder Aldo López Vargas, who headed in his first goal for the club after 53 matches.
Under pressure manager Miguel Herrera made two changes at half time for Xolos. That, alongside his half time team talk seemed to transform his side’s performance in the second half. They looked a completely different side, from docile kitten to barking xoloitzcuintli, you could say.
Second half goals from Paraguayan international striker Carlos González and Colombian midfielder Christian Rivera turned round the match and seemed to be enough to give the home side their first long awaited win of the season.
However when the fourth official signalled there would be eight minutes of injury time, the doubts started to appear in the Xolos’ players’ and fans’ minds alike.
Sure enough Ronaldo Prieto popped up to get the 94th minute equaliser for the away side.
Xolos will now have two full weeks because of the international break to work on how they get back to winning ways.
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]]>The stage is set and we are almost there. The first ever Winter World Cup is just around the corner so in true fashion, it is time for some of our writers to give their thoughts ahead of the showpiece event in Qatar.
As an added bonus we have teamed up with our compatriots at Prost Amerika for an insight from the other side of the World.
World Cup Winner
Jared Miller: I’m torn between Brazil and Argentina. I believe Brazil have the strongest squad depth (other than full-backs), but it’s difficult to look past the Lionel Messi factor, especially as the final could be his 1000th game.
James Sadler: I think the winner will be Argentina, they were undefeated in South American qualifying alongside Brazil, the first time a team has ever gone undefeated, haven’t lost in all competitions in three years and possess the greatest player of all time in Lionel Messi.
Will Knight: Brazil is a team that nobody can write off this year. Their line-up is filled with star
players, many of whom are some real heavy hitters in big football leagues.
English and Welsh hopes
JM: England: I really like Southgate as a person, and he’s done very well so far, but I think this could be one tournament too far for him. I think we might be relying on quality moments from individuals, though that’s not to say I don’t think we’ll go far. Wales: They’ve turned up at the last two Euros, and they seem to play better than their squad looks on paper. I think they get through the group, but will struggle past that.
JS: I think England will win the group thanks to multiple low scoring wins, beat in my opinion Senegal in the Ro16 but crash out to France in the quarters. I think Wales will struggle to make it out of the group, they don’t have the same quality as USA or England, and Iran aren’t to be underestimated either.
WK: Although I would love to see England win, personally I don’t see them making it out of the semi-finals. The choice of squad can be seen to be a bit conservative, while the defence may prove to be England’s achilles heel.
I see Wales having a tough fight with the USA to make it out the group stages but I do see the States beating the squad. But, if they’re at their very best, they could follow England into the round of 16.
CONCACAF chances
Dan Gaichas: USA: Good World Cup would be getting out of the group stage. Need to get results against Wales and Iran if not against England. Looking forward to all three USA matches to see what progress has been made by this squad and what progress will need to be made for 2026.
Canada: Scoring goals will be an achievement (which they didn’t do in 1986). Advancing out of group stage here will be a massive achievement given they have Belgium and Croatia in their group. Player to watch on Canada is Alphonso Davies, but watch out for Cyle Larin as well.
Mexico: It’s all about getting to the quarterfinals which they have never done outside their own country. They should get out the group if they get the results against Saudi Arabia and Poland. However, they were so unremarkable during qualifying and show no signs of suddenly being at this time.
I’ll add a snippet about Costa Rica: In a usual World Cup cycle, they are the third best team in CONCACAF, but Canada excelled and the Ticos had to go through a playoff against New Zealand. This team is nowhere near the team that were penalties away from the semi finals in Brazil. I do not expect much from them–especially against Spain, Germany, and Japan.
Top Scorer
JM: My money’s on Harry Kane (literally), but Messi and Neymar should be good shouts too.
JS: My top scorer is Kylian Mbappe, I think France will go quite far and with a couple of easy group stage matches on paper against Tunisia and Australia, I can see Mbappe getting on the scoresheet.
Dark Horses
JS: My dark horses are Denmark, they were brilliant in qualifying and were only extra time away from making it to the Euros final and should be making it through their group comfortably, they’ve even beaten France the last two times they’ve met.
JM: Denmark. The Danish have some quality players on paper, getting to the Euros semi-final without Eriksen, their main man. I really like the look of their squad again. I might fancy Uruguay too.
WK: When looking at the teams, a dark horse that stands out for me is Croatia. Their performance in 2018, reaching the final against France, is one that stands out to me following a victory over England but I have not heard them mentioned when discussing possible winners this year.
Game to watch
JS: The group game I’m looking forward to most is Spain vs Germany, it’s a new era for both giants of international football and a game where young players on both sides could shine.
JM: It’s got to be England vs. Wales. The atmosphere in the country will be incredible, and it’ll certainly be a close game given the rivalry.
WK: The game I am most looking forward to is the final. This may be cliché, but anyone who watches the World Cup is eager to learn who will play for glory.
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There are now 232 days until the opening game of the World Cup and we learned on Friday who would face who as the group stage draw took place in the Qatari capital.
Delegates from around the world flew in as former players such as Cafu, Tim Cahill and Ali Daei took part in the draw ceremony that saw 29 confirmed nations discover their fate while three play-off contenders also discovered what could potentially be ahead for them.
The draw threw up plenty of exciting and intriguing groups and while there probably is not a ‘group of death’ as such, almost every country will fancy their chances of having some sort of success in November.
Group A
Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
So we finally found out what the opening game will be and it is the hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador. It won’t look like a thriller on paper but it will give the debutants some belief that they can get off to a decent start.
African champions Senegal taking on the Netherlands looks like one of the group stage highlights and both will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages. A final game clash between Ecuador and Senegal could well decide qualification.
Group B
England, Iran, USA, Wales/Ukraine/Scotland
Well, this was certainly the group for lovers of narrative.
On paper, it appears to be quite a nice draw for England but without knowing who will come through the play-off in June, it is hard to draw too many conclusions.
The USA and England have played out some memorable World Cup games in the past while Iran famously saw off the States in 1998 for a first-ever World Cup victory.
The prospect however of a battle between two home nations on the biggest stage is mouth-watering and with it being the final group game, there could be a lot on the line.
Group C
Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
A nice group appeared for Lionel Messi on what will probably be his last shot at winning the tournament. Argentina will be hopeful of topping the group with none of the other three sides having much success in recent editions.
Mexico and Poland will know their opening clash will go a long way to who will advance while Saudi Arabia would appear unlikely to get anything in what is quite a daunting group for the Middle Eastern side.
Mexico’s quest for a fifth match at a World Cup would most likely see them up against France in the last 16 in what would be an enormously difficult encounter for the North Americans.
Group D
France, UAE/Australia/Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
Should Peru or Australia make it through the intercontinental play-off in June, Group D will see three-quarters of the participants in Group C from 2018 in the same group once more.
France came through that group en route to winning the tournament back then and Les Bleus and Denmark will be feeling confident of a repeat result four years on.
Tunisia will be looking to cause an upset somewhere and build on their victory over Panama in 2018.
Look out for the matchday two clash between France and Denmark where a Danish win would throw everyone’s knockout predictions up in the air and open up the draw. It always happens somewhere and that could be the game that does it.
Group E
Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Spain against Germany on November 27th is the standout fixture of the group stage draw but it has the look of a clash that will decide first place in the group, rather than knock a giant out.
Both sides will be confident of seeing off Japan and whichever of Costa Rica or New Zealand come through in June.
Japan may seek inspiration from neighbours South Korea however, who knocked the Germans out in 2018.
Group F
Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Two of the semi-finalists from Russia in 2018 will come together in the group stages as Belgium and Croatia lock horns in Group F.
The pair will face off in the final group game and should either slip up in advance of that, we could well see one of the more fancied European sides going home.
Morocco impressed in 2018 without winning while Canada will face Belgium in their first World Cup match since 1986. They may just believe their fairytale run could continue into the knockout stages.
Group G
Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Another group that is almost a carbon copy from 2018 only this time Cameroon will take the place of Costa Rica.
Brazil came out on top on that occasion while Serbia and Switzerland played out a controversial clash that saw the Swiss come from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a late winner from Xherdan Shaqiri.
They will meet in the final group game which could essentially be a winner-takes-all clash.
Cameroon are not going to make up the numbers though and will make for dangerous opponents after their dramatic late win over Algeria to qualify.
Group H
Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Uruguay will have the face up to the ghosts of World Cups past in Group H.
The South Americans knocked South Korea out in the last 16 in 2010 while they did the same to Portugal in Russia four years ago.
But the real battle for revenge will take place on matchday two when Ghana seek redemption after Luis Suarez and the handball controversy from the 2010 quarter-final.
This has the appearance of quite an open group and while Portugal will back themselves to win it, history has shown that they could just as easily finish bottom.
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The qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup are almost in the history books now as several more nations from across the globe sealed their places in November’s tournament in Qatar.
There was plenty at stake across all continents so it is time to dive straight in and see how the action unfolded on what is possibly international football’s greatest week, time after time.
AFC
Group A on the final stages in Asia had little left to be decided with Iran and South Korea having already booked their spot in the previous set of fixtures.
Instead it was all about the battle for third place and the play-off that comes with it. Iraq gave themselves a lifeline with a 1-0 victory over direct rivals the United Arab Emirates to leave the visitor’s hopes hanging in the balance.
However Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side recovered to claim a huge 1-0 victory over South Korea in the final game while Iraq could only draw with Syria to seal their fate.
In Group B, Japan ensured they would be back for a seventh consecutive World Cup appearance after defeating Australia 2-0 in Sydney. This also meant that Saudi Arabia qualified without having to kick a ball.
The Saudis rubbed salt into the Aussie wounds by winning 1-0 in Jeddah in the final group game.
Australia will now have to settle for the play-offs. They will face the UAE in a single game shootout in Doha on June 7th with the winner facing Peru for a chance to reach the finals.
CAF
Africa had probably the most exciting games on paper with a host of big nations set to do battle. This also shows how the continent will benefit when the tournament expands in 2026. So many talented African footballers will miss out once more in Qatar.
Which brings us to Egypt and Mohamed Salah. The repeat of the AFCON final with Senegal was as tight as you might have expected with the Pharaohs winning 1-0 in Cairo before the African champions responded with a 1-0 victory of their own in Dakar.
Salah went on to miss in the penalty shootout with Sadio Mane once more scoring the winning kick to ensure it was double delight for the Lions of Teranga.
There was further late drama between Algeria and Cameroon. Once again both games finished 1-0 to either side therefore extra-time would be required. Ahmed Touba thought he had won it for Algeria only for Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi to score a crucial away goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to send Cameroon through.
There were shocking scenes in Abuja as supporters stormed the pitch following Ghana’s away goal victory over bitter rivals Nigeria. Thomas Partey grabbed the all-important goal before William Troost-Ekong equalised with a penalty. But it was not to be for the Nigerians, who fail to qualify for the first time since 2006.
Morocco were the only side to really cut loose over the past week as they swept past DR Congo 5-2 on aggregate. It was honours even in Kinshasa for the first leg before the Atlas Lions stormed to victory in Casablanca, with Achraf Hakimi among the goalscorers.
Tunisia made it a North African double as they held their nerve to edge past Mali and deny Les Aiges a debut appearance. Moussa Sissako’s own goal was all that could separate the two sides over 180 minutes.
CONCACAF
CONCACAF is the only federation yet to conclude at the time of writing but Canada rubber stamped a first appearance since 1986 with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica in Toronto to spark joyous scenes.
Mexico and the USA look set the join Les Rouges barring some incredibly unlikely results on the final day.
Costa Rica look likely to take the play-off spot and they will face New Zealand as Los Ticos look to qualify for a third straight tournament.
CONMEBOL
Ecuador will be back at the World Cup despite only taking one point from their final two games. La Tri have enjoyed a good campaign and can now look forward to returning to the world stage for the first time since 2014.
They will be joined by Uruguay after Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Peru to ensure a positive end to a difficult campaign.
This meant that the Peruvians were in control of fifth place going into the final game but Colombia and Chile were ready and waiting to take advantage of any slip ups.
Unfortunately for Chile it was the end of an era as they fell 2-0 at home to Uruguay while Colombia defeated Venezuela 1-0 to do their part.
It would be Peru’s day however as goals from Gianluca Lapadula and Yoshimar Yotun sealed a play-off spot against either the UAE or Australia in June.
OFC
New Zealand will once more represent Oceania in the playoffs after coming through a mini tournament in Qatar.
Vanuatu and the Cook Islands had to cancel games due to Covid which meant Tahiti and the Soloman Islands progressed to the semi-finals.
New Zealand coasted through their group and were joined in the final four by Papua New Guinea.
A Liberato Cacace goal saw the All Whites edge past Tahiti in the semi-final while the Soloman Islands saw off Papua New Guinea by three goals to two.
There would be no fairytale in the final however as Chris Wood helped Danny Hay’s side to a 5-0 victory and set up a likely play-off with Costa Rica in June.
UEFA
A brace from Gareth Bale inspired Wales to a 2-1 victory over Austria to leave Robert Page’s side just one game away from a first World Cup appearance since 1958.
They will host the winners of the Scotland and Ukraine match which will have to be rearranged for a later date.
Elsewhere Poland made the most of receiving a bye straight through to the final by defeating Sweden in Warsaw to make it back to back qualifications.
Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski scored to see off the Swedes, who edged out the Czech Republic in extra-time in Solna.
Arguably the biggest shock of the window saw North Macedonia stun European champions Italy 1-0 in Palermo to ensure the Italians missed a second consecutive World Cup.
The four times winner will have gone 20 years without a knockout match by the time the next tournament rolls around in 2026.
The reward for North Macedonia was a trip to Porto after Portugal defeated Turkey 3-1 in the semi-final.
The fairytale run would not have the ultimate conclusion however as Bruno Fernandes grabbed a brace to send the hosts through and ensure Cristiano Ronaldo will have the chance to play in a fifth World Cup.
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In what was a catch-up window due to previous postponements because of the pandemic, several teams made the most of the winter action and took major steps towards participation in November’s World Cup.
None were more successful than Iran and South Korea, who became the 14th and 15th nations to qualify for the showcase event.
In CONCACAF, it was Canada who had the most successful window, claiming nine points to leave them on the brink of just a second-ever World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile in South America, it was more of a case of eliminations as what was a ten-team league is now ultimately down to five with Brazil and Argentina already having qualified and Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela all now out of contention.
Let us begin in Asia as we take a look back on another thrilling week of action.
AFC
It was in Tehran that Iran confirmed their qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. Porto forward Mehdi Taremi scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Iraq to seal another finals appearance for Team Melli.
South Korea picked up a 1-0 win over Lebanon to leave themselves nicely poised before the second game of the window.
The UAE kept the South Korean’s honest with a 2-0 win at home to Syria to keep their own faint hopes alive.
Those hopes would be dashed just five days later however as South Korea booked their finals place with a 2-0 win over Syria in Dubai and maintains their record of appearing at every World Cup since 1986. Iran’s 1-0 triumph over the UAE rendered the result immaterial anyway as the Emirates could now no longer qualify automatically.
The Syrians are the only team in the group officially eliminated and responded by sacking coach Valeriu Tita. Iraq did similar, dismissing Serbian manager Zeljko Petrovic. They still hold faint hopes of a play-off despite failing to win a game so far. They must beat the UAE in their next game in March to stand any chance.
Over in Group B, there is a little bit more tension with none of the sides earning automatic qualification thus far. Matchday seven saw the top three all claim home victories over the lesser lights in the group with Australia thrashing Vietnam 4-0, Japan seeing off China 2-0 and leaders Saudi Arabia earning a narrow 1-0 win over Oman.
Matchday eight proved to be much more decisive, however. Takumi Minamino was on the scoresheet as Japan closed to the gap to within a point of the Saudis with a 2-0 home win.
This left the door open for Australia to join the Japanese and leave a one-point gap between all three sides. Graham Arnold’s men will be kicking themselves however for conceding a late equaliser to Oman in Muscat that saw two precious points dropped.
Australia will now need to beat Japan at home next up and most likely do the same in Saudi Arabia if they are to qualify without the need for a play-off. They do have that option to fall back on though as Oman are now eliminated.
Vietnam also picked up their first win of the campaign as they secured a 3-1 victory over China 3-1 in Hanoi.
CONCACAF
Canada are now just one win away from a first World Cup appearance since 1986 following three victories in a brilliant week.
‘Les Rouges’ began the window by defeating winless Honduras thanks to a goal from star striker Jonathan David. The traditional big two of the USA and Mexico kept up the pressure with wins over El Salvador and Jamaica respectively.
Bryan Ruiz grabbed the winner as Costa Rica aimed to move closer to a play-off spot by defeating Panama.
It would be in matchday 10 where John Herdman’s Canadian side would take the biggest strides. An early Cyle Larin goal sent them on their way to a vital 2-0 victory over the USA to leave the nation ecstatic and leave fans of the USMNT enraged.
Panama got back on track by edging out Jamaica while El Salvador piled the misery on Honduras with a 2-0 win.
Costa Rica held Mexico to a crucial goalless draw in an empty Azteca Stadium to claim what could be a huge point.
In the final matchday of the break, Canada’s match in San Salvador almost did not go ahead due to the El Salvador players threatening to strike over unpaid bonuses. The strike was averted and David claimed another goal to make it a memorable week for the Canadians.
It was also memorable for slightly different reasons in Minnesota as the USA claimed a 3-0 victory over Honduras in freezing conditions. Two Honduran players had to be treated for hypothermia while fans saw their beers freeze in the stadium. Perhaps more thinking is required for the federation next time when determining where to stage the games.
Raul Jimenez scored a penalty as Mexico beat Panama while Joel Campbell scored the only goal in Costa Rica’s victory in Jamaica. ‘Los Ticos’ are now just a point behind Panama following an excellent window as they chase a play-off match with the best team from Oceania.
For Canada, victory over the Costa Ricans in March will bring about the moment they have been waiting 36 years for. The USA and Mexico look poised to join them while it appears to be a straight shootout between Panama and Costa Rica.
CONMEBOL
Onto South America, where nobody has yet joined Brazil and Argentina but there were some eliminations taken care of.
Ecuador were probably the biggest victors of the window, guaranteeing themselves at least a play-off spot against the play-off winners from Asia thanks to two draws.
A bad-tempered clash with Brazil ended in a 1-1 draw while fellow confirmed finalists Argentina claimed a 2-1 triumph in Chile.
Edison Flores grabbed a vital late winner as Peru claimed a massive 1-0 win in Colombia to go fourth. Uruguay would keep the pressure on with a 1-0 win in Paraguay.
Salomon Rondon notched a hat-trick as Venezuela prolonged Bolivia’s wait for a first away victory since 1994 in the qualifiers.
It was all to play for then going into the second match of the window but this is where some dreams were sadly ended.
Philippe Coutinho scored a cracking goal as Brazil thrashed Paraguay 4-0 to end their hopes while Chile won 3-2 in Bolivia to leave Bolivia waiting another four years for an appearance on the biggest stage.
Luis Suarez became the top goalscorer in CONMEBOL qualifying history in Uruguay’s 4-1 win over Venezuela to ensure another elimination for the visitors. The hosts meanwhile stole a march on Peru and climbed into the automatic places following the Peruvian’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
The draw did at least deny Ecuador automatic qualification for now.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winner for Argentina which put a huge dent to Colombia’s chances of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.
It is all set up for a dramatic two matchdays in March as we find out who will join the traditional giants. Ecuador only need a win in Paraguay in their next game to ensure they join them. There are sure to be more twists and turns to come.
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The four groups in matchday three in Tokyo 2020 had 14 out of the 16 teams still in contention to qualify for the knockout stages, here is a roundup of day three.
Group A
Golden Japan
Japan have set their sights on Olympic Gold after a 4-0 thrashing against France in Yokohama. Golden star Takefusa Kubo was once again on the scoresheet as he spearheads his team to glory in Japan.
Although France midfielder Alexis Beka Beka had the first real attempt in the match, it was Kubo who opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni saved just before Kubo redirected the rebound into a gaping net.
Less than 10 minutes later right-back Hiroki Sakai of Urawa Reds scored in a similar fashion as he scored from a rebound after Bernardoni had saved a goal-bound effort. Sakai was a thorn in the side for France and he overstepped the mark just before halftime when he clattered into Timothee Pembele.
The goal of the match was scored by Koji Miyoshi as he received a pass on the edge of the French box from Reo Hatate and curled a lovely effort past the French Keeper.
Kolo Muani was sent off for a stamp in the closing stages of the match.
Insult was added to injury in the 90th minute when Daizen Maeda converted from inside the box, and thus France were knocked out conceding 10 goals in the group stages.
Japan face New Zealand in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Group B
South Korea hit six
South Korea deposited six goals into the Honduran net without reply as they topped group B, scoring 10 goals in the process, the most in the group stages.
Astonishingly Honduras gifted three penalties to their counterparts on a day to forget for Los Catrachos
The first penalty was awarded in the 12th minute, Hwang Ui-Jo converted the penalty, but Goalkeeper Alex Guity would have been disappointed not to get a stronger hand to the effort. The second penalty was given seven minutes later and a different taker this time in Won Du-Jae made no mistake from 12 yards and slipped the ball down the middle of the goal.
Five minutes before half time Carlos Melendez brought down forward Lee Kang-in, the defender denied a clear goalscoring opportunity and was dismissed from the field of play. To add misery to the Hondurans Ui-Jo added a third goal courtesy of a rebounded effort. Ui-Jo completed his Hattrick with the third penalty of the match in the 52nd minute, and it was 4-0.
Kim Jin-Ya and a wonderful long-range from Golden Star Kang-in completed the rout for the South Koreans to make it six.
South Korea will face a strong Mexican side in the quarter-finals.
Group C
Spanish dominance
Spain were the group winners of a highly contested battle where Argentina missed out on goal difference.
The two teams couldn’t be separated, but in truth, Spain controlled this contest from start to finish although they drew 1-1.
La Roja had 62 percent possession of the football, they controlled the ball in the middle of the park and fashioned numerous chances. Dani Olmo tested goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma from a free-kick, which was parried wide. Argentina went down the other end and Spain keeper Unai Simon had to make a smart stop going into the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.
The second half faired much better in terms of chances, and in the 52nd minute, Olmo missed the chance of the game just outside the six-yard box, blazing the ball over the bar after receiving a slide rule pass from Mikel Oyarzabal.
Olmo more than made up for the miss, in the 66th minute he gave Mikel Merino the opportunity to place a one-touch finish inside Ledesma’s net
Argentina turned up the pressure in the final 20 minutes of the match, searching for an equalizer, in their efforts collecting five yellow cards in the process. They were given a glimmer of hope after Tomas Belmonte of Lanus powered the ball into Simon’s goal in the 87th minute.
Spain will face a tough Ivory Coast team for a place in the Semi-finals.
Group D
Ivorians shine
Ivory Coast and Germany shared the spoils in Miyagi Stadium as the Ivorians progressed to the knockout stages with a 1-1 draw.
Ivory Coast were a team a lot of people slept on but they have now proved their worth by progressing in this tough group.
Germany shaded the first half where they had seven shots and two on target, and their pressure told as Cristian Kouame was given a yellow card within six seconds and one of the quickest cautions in Olympiad history.
Forward Ragnar Ache went close on numerous occasions in the first half, but it was Marco Richter in the 11th minute who gave goalkeeper Eliezer Ira Tape some work to do, as he tipped the ball wide for a corner.
Kouame had a speculative effort from 25 yards from goal, but this didn’t trouble the German keeper.
The second half was an edgy affair, and Kouame who was a threat all match found himself in the box and flicked on a pass into his teammates’ path, only for Benjamin Hendrich’s to put in his own net in the 67th minute.
Germany were on the brink of exiting the group stages but were given a lifeline when substitute Eduard Lowen stood behind a free kick on the edge of the box and curled in a sumptuous effort into the top left corner of Tape’s goal.
In the end, the point was enough for the Ivorians and they face a Spain side, in what will be a great match to watch.
Matchday three continued
South Africa 0-3 Mexico – Alexis Vega was on the scoresheet again as Mexico qualified for the knockouts from group A with a comfortable win.
Romania 0-0 New Zealand – A goalless draw allowed the All Whites to qualify at the expense of Romania in a tight affair in group B.
Australia 0-2 Egypt – Golden Star Amar Hamdy downed the Olyroos and qualified in second place to qualify from group D.
Saudi Arabia 1-3 Brazil – Tournament top scorer Richarlison was on target, as Brazil qualified in first place in group D.
Knockout Stages
Here are the matches which will be contested on a big weekend of Olympic football, as the tournament reaches the business end.
Japan vs New Zealand 31st July 2021 Kashima Stadium
Spain vs Ivory Coast 31st July 2021 Miyagi Stadium
South Korea vs Mexico 31st July 2021 Yokohama Stadium
Brazil vs Egypt 31st July 2021 Saitama Stadium
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Hat-trick Gignac
France clinched their first group A win, with a momentous 4-3 win in Saitama Stadium against spritely South Africa.
Pierre Andre Gignac chose desire from the start. The forward had an attempt go wide of the mark in the first two minutes.
A first-half that produced 13 shots at goal and seven on target, it was inevitable that goals would flow.
Luther Singh was given a chance from a free-kick in the 32nd minute which tested the French ‘keeper, and they say good luck comes in pairs. On the stroke of half-time, Singh was awarded the opportunity to put South Africa ahead, however, Singh struck the ball onto the crossbar.
In the 53rd minute disaster struck as Clement Michelin collided with Paul Bernardoni, and gifted Kobamelo Kodisang the chance to score into an open net and give South Africa the lead.
Randal Kolo Muani who was a substitute last match, came in from the start in this game and he rewarded his managers’ faith by laying an assist on a plate for Gignac, and four minutes later France was level.
With 20 minutes remaining South Africa regained the lead, as Kodisang evaded his man and whipped in a near-post cross for Evidence Makgopa, to make the scores 2-1. Moments later the game was again balanced as Gignac headed in his second of the game from a cross by Michelin.
The goal of the day was scored by Teboho Mokoena as he shot a missile into the top right hand of Bernardonis’ net to make it 3-2 with 10 minutes remaining. The scoring endured the test of time as France was awarded their own penalty as Ronwen Williams was the guilty man. Gignac completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
In the dying embers of the match, Gignac provided an assist to give France a memorable win, as Teji Savanier struck a crisp ball from inside the area, to give France the priceless win.
Group B
Korea delight
Lee Kang-in joined the Olympic party as he scored two goals in a 4-0 win for the South Koreans against Romania. The result puts all four teams on three points with all to play for in the last group match.
The first half belonged to South Korea as they tested a Romanian backline with several attempts. On the 12th minute, Hwang Ui-jo found himself in the box unmarked but only fired at the legs of Mihai Aioani.
10 minutes later a tangle of feet caused makeshift centre back Marius Marin to lash in an own goal towards his net to make it 1-0 to South Korea.
With half an hour on the clock, referee Valenzuela adjudged an indirect free-kick to Romania in the South Korean penalty area, but nothing fruitful was born for Romania.
On the stroke of half-time, Romania was down to 10, as Ion Gheorghe was shown a second yellow for a mild challenge.
In the second half, South Korea pushed for the important second goal and got their just deserts as Um Won-sang had his shot deflected into the net for 2-0.
Golden Star Lee Kang-in entered the fray on the 78th minute and was given the chance from the spot-kick to score his first of the tournament, which he did with aplomb. Double delight followed the Valencia star as he passed the ball into the bottom left of the goal, with an assist from Kang Yoon-sang to make it four.
Group C
Argie party
Facundo Medina gave Argentina a slender 1-0 victory against the bottom of the table Egypt in a well-contested match.
Argentina was on the front foot in this match early on, as Adolfo Gaich rattled the crossbar in the ninth minute, but they didn’t have it all their way. A mistake on the halfway line allowed the Egyptian Salah Mohsen the chance to slip in Ramadan Sobhi once of Stoke to have a shot on goal which goalkeeper Jeremias Ledesma saved.
Both teams traded punches, but it was the midfield of Egypt particularly Akram Tawfik of Al Ahly who comfortably kept Argentina at bay in the first half. Sobhi was a thorn in Argentina’s side twisting and turning his defender to allow forward Ahmed Rayan the chance to hit the target, but he couldn’t provide the finishing touches and both teams went into the half at 0-0.
After half time Alexis Mac Allister floated in a dangerous cross which caused confusion, and the ball cannoned off the post into the grateful sights of Medina who scored Argentina’s first goal of the group stages.
Five yellow cards were dished out by the referee in the last 20 minutes of the match which was disrupted by a stubborn Argentina side who fought for the win.
All to play for in the last match of the groups where all four teams can advance.
Group D
German prayers
Germany was involved in another thriller against group D rivals Saudi Arabia, which they won by a thin margin of 3-2.
It was as if both defences were already on their summer holidays, the forwards had a field day with the number of shots on goal in this match, 32 in total.
In the fourth minute, Germany was awarded a dubious free-kick, which Ragnar Ache failed to hit the target from an unmarked header, but Eduard Lowen faired a little better when his curling effort brought out a save from goalkeeper Mohammed Al Rubaie.
Germany cracked the code in the 10th minute when Cedric Teuchert cross evaded the Saudi defence but fell kindly into Nadiem Amiri’s path and he guided the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.
The Saudis woke up from their slumber who shaded the first-half possession stats, and attacking midfielder Sami Al Najei provided a warning shot to the Germans in the 18th minute, however, he found his range on the 30th-minute mark when he reacted first in the box to make it 1-1.
Germany applied more pressure, and this told as Ache registered his second of the Olympic Games with a rebounded effort in the six-yard box just before halftime.
Wham! Saudi Arabia caught Germany napping and five minutes after the half Najei gleefully celebrated a free-flowing move with a one-touch finish to make the scores 2-2.
Amos Pieper is having a tournament to forget, removed at the half against Brazil and he was also sent off in the 67th minute against Saudi Arabia for a rash last man challenge.
The football gods smiled on Germany in the 75th minute as they found the winning touch from a corner. Max Kruse directed the ball accurately onto defender Felix Uduokhai to make it 3-2.
Germany has it all to do in the final game against Ivory Coast, where a win will guarantee passage to the quarter-finals.
Day two continued
Japan 2-1 Mexico – Goals from Takefusa Kubo and Ritsu Doan give the hosts top spot in Group A after downing Mexico in Saitama.
New Zealand 2-3 Honduras – Honduras captured their first win in Group B as they pounced on the All Whites with two late goals.
Australia 0-1 Spain – Another first Group C win this time for Spain, as Mikel Oyarzabal scored from close range.
Brazil 0-0 Ivory Coast – A petulant clash between two heavyweights ended in a stalemate, which suits both teams at the summit of Group D.
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]]>Matchday one at the Olympics produced many magical moments in men’s football. Here’s a round-up of what happened across the four groups.
Group A
Mexican Firecracker
The first game in Group A was a cracker, as Mexico thumped an out of sorts French team 4-1 in Tokyo Stadium.
Alexis Vega had an attempt blocked off the line in the 16th minute by Modibo Sagnan and this was a sign of things to come.
An even first-half, shaded by a creative and hungry Mexican squad, got their just delights as they opened the scoring just after half-time. Diego Lainez had his defender on ice skates and constructed a pinpoint cross to Vega who gave Mexico a 1-0 lead.
A shell-shocked French team conceded another goal eight minutes later. Pierre Kalulu gifted Carlos Rodriguez the ball in the centre of the park, he then found the ensuing Sebastian Cordova who planted the ball into the bottom left hand of Paul Bernardonis’ net.
France made a few substitutions to change the tide of the game as Kolo Muani entered the fray on the hour mark. In the 68th minute, the substitute was brought down in the box which resulted in a penalty that Andre-Pierre Gignac dispatched.
A solo effort from Uriel Antuna in the last 10 minutes provided Mexico with a well-deserved third goal as his left-footed strike cannoned off the post and in the net.
Substitute Eduardo Aguirre scored goal number four as a mistake from the French defence allowed the forward to pounce from close range.
Group B
Historic All-Whites
A historic moment for New Zealand as they recorded their first win in the Olympics, as veteran Chris Wood scored which saw them beat South Korea 1-0.
The first-half was controlled by the South Koreans as they had six shots compared to zero from a tepid New Zealand team. Efforts from Hwang Ui-jo and Kwon Chang-hoon gave Michael Woud a scare in the All-Whites net, during constant concerted pressure from the Reds.
New Zealand recorded their first shot on target in the 63rd minute as centre-back Nando Pijnaker tested goalkeeper Song Bum-Keun with a precise header on goal. New Zealand were given further boots of confidence after Winston Reid made a goal-line clearance to the pleasure of his goalkeeper Woud.
This gave the All-Whites the impetus to attack, and they took the lead in the 70th minute, as the ever-lively Wood showed his Premier League class in the box, reacting to a deflected shot the quickest and finessing his shot into the bottom right-hand corner. VAR was used to check the goal for offside, however, the goal was given much to New Zealand’s relief and pleasure.
South Korea had a flurry of attempts at goal in the final 15 minutes of the game, but Woud and his defenders stood tall for a historic win in the Kashima Stadium.
Group C
Battle of Sapporo
The battle-hardened Olyroos gave Argentina a taste of their own medicine as they won a temper flared clash 2-0 in a match that delivered 11 yellow cards and one red at the Sapporo Dome.
The midfield of Australia more than matched their counterparts with endeavor and bravery on the ball, with Connor Metcalfe and Riley McGree controlling the middle of the park.
It was Lachlan Wales who broke the deadlock in the 15th minute. Mitchell Duke received a raking pass, and he supplied the forward with an easy tap-in at the far post for the lead.
Argentina responded with a goal-bound shot cleared off the line by the Australian defence and rattled the crossbar with an attempt by Francisco Ortega.
Ortega had a day to forget, as he was dismissed in the 45th minute with a second yellow from a defensive corner, McGree was also given a yellow card for his part in the fracas.
The second-half was a bitty, scrappy, and ill-disciplined contest, where eight yellow cards were dished out to both sets of players.
Australia mounted pressure on the 10-man Argentina side but didn’t produce an effort on Jeremias Ledesma’s net until the 69th minute.
In the 80th minute, Marco Tilio riffled the ball into the goal from his first touch on the pitch, having just been substituted into the match a minute earlier.
Aldolfo Gaich tested Australia’s goalkeeper Tom Glover in the final moments of the game, but by then it was too little too late for La Albiceleste, and Australia earned a well-fought-out win.
Group D
Four Star Brazil
A star-studded Brazil dispatched a poor Germany side 4-2 in the final game of the day at the Yokohama Stadium as Richarlison provided a first-half hat-trick for the Selecao.
In the 10th minute, Richarlison received a pass from Anthony, which was initially saved by Muller, but expertly finished by the forward at the second attempt. Cunha, Richarlison, and Claudinho peppered the German goal, so it was no surprise Brazil got the second of the contest.
Richarlison was once again on the end of a well-timed cross from the left-hand side of the Brazilian attack, where he rose the highest to head the ball in the hapless German net in the 22nd minute.
With 15 minutes left in the first-half, frustrations boiled over as German captain Maximilian Arnold received a yellow card for dangerous play. Germany’s pain wasn’t eased as Cunha fed Richarlison again, and he nonchalantly sent the ball into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to make it 3-0.
The second-half of proceedings continued like the first period, as Brazil peppered their opposition with shots.
Nevertheless, this is football, and anything can happen. Germany scored a freak goal as Nadiem Amiri had a pot shot which Brazilian goalkeeper Santos failed to deal with. Joy was short-lived for the German’s as their captain received his marching orders for a second yellow in the 63rd minute with an innocuous challenge.
Germany pulled another goal back after going down to 10 men, as substitute Ragnar Ache headed in an unerring finish to make the game interesting at 3-2.
The game was settled in the 90th minute as Bruno Guimaraes assigned forward Paulinho with a through ball that split the defence. He completed the scoring with a lovely finish to make it four to Brazil, who had a great day at the office.
Day one continued
Japan 1-0 South Africa – A solitary strike by Golden Star Takefusa Kubo gave Japan their first win in Group A for the host nation.
Honduras 0-1 Romania – An own goal by Elvin Oliva saved the day for Romania as they took all three points in an entertaining affair.
Egypt 0-0 Spain – A well-contested match between these two nations ended in a draw. Spain were left feeling frustrated as two key players sustained heavy injuries.
Ivory Coast 2-1 Saudi Arabia – A red card couldn’t dampen Ivory Coast’s win, as Frank Kessie secured the win for the Elephants.
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]]>Egypt
Egypt vs Spain 22nd July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Egypt vs Argentina 25th July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Australia vs Egypt 28th July 2021 Miyagi Stadium
The Gaffer
Shawky Gharieb – A former Africa cup of Nations winner, he takes Egypt on to their 12th Olympic quest.
Golden Stars
Taher Mohamed, 24.
The Al Ahly forward loves shooting from long range, with the ability to win the ball back, he serves as a two-pronged attack and defence.
Amar Hamdy, 22.
On loan at Al Ittihad from Al Ahly, this Golden Star has the markings to be a special player, with fast feet and a perfect weight of pass on him, one to look out for.
Spain
Egypt vs Spain 22nd July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Australia vs Spain 25th July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Spain vs Argentina 28th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Luis de la Fuente – Having won the La Liga twice as a player, the manager also played for the U23 side before, so he knows what it takes to be a winner.
Golden Stars
Oscar Mingueza, 22.
Making his first-team debut for Barcelona in 2020, Mingueza has a calm presence in any defence, but his no-nonsense approach makes him highly effective.
Bryan Gil, 20.
The Sevilla youth team player who brings grace and flair to any football pitch, he plays the game with a smile on his face.
Argentina
Argentina vs Australia 22nd July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Egypt vs Argentina 25th July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Spain vs Argentina 28th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Fernando Batista – The former youth coordinator of Argentinos Juniors has coached the U23 National team since 2018.
Golden Stars
Hernan De La Fuente, 24.
A marauding full-back who loves defending as much as attacking. Fuente is a one-club man currently contracted with Velez Sarsfield.
Augustin Urzi, 21.
Urzi is currently playing for Banfield in Argentina, but after this tournament, this maverick player will get a move to a bigger club.
Australia
Argentina vs Australia 22nd July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Australia vs Spain 25th July 2021 Sapporo Dome
Australia vs Egypt 28th July 2021 Miyagi Stadium
The Gaffer
Graham Arnold – Second time lucky? The manager has been here before with Australia and will be looking to steady the ship for the Olyroos.
Golden Stars
Daniel Arzani, 22
Contracted by Manchester City, the direct right-winger shows a hunger for the game matched by very few. A clinical dribbler who is not afraid of his opposition fullback.
Riley McGree, 22.
A player who always pops up with a goal, McGree loves anything out of the ordinary. In 2018 he was nominated for the Puskas award for an audacious effort.
Group D
Brazil
Embed from Getty Images
Brazil vs Germany 22nd July 2021 International Stadium
Brazil vs Ivory Coast 25th July 2021 International Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs Brazil 28th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Andre Jardine – Since the abdication of Sylvinho in 2019, he has taken over as coach of the U23 and U20 Brazil teams. Dani Alves was called up at the age of 38 to help Brazil to their second Gold medal.
Golden Stars
Matheus Cunha, 22.
The Hertha Berlin forward won the Puskas award in 2019. Cunha will look to set this stage alight and bring Brazil their consecutive Gold Medal.
Bruno Guimaraes, 23.
Brazil fans were disappointed that the Lyon ace was replaced by Arthur in the full National team. However, he will be one of Brazil’s main men in Japan. A steely midfielder who grows in the mold of the legend, Gilberto Silva.
Germany
Brazil vs Germany 22nd July 2021 International Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs Germany 25th July 2021 International Stadium
Germany vs Ivory Coast 28th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Stefan Kuntz – Playing for the Germany National side 25 times and scoring six, Kuntz brings a wealth of international experience for his side.
Golden Stars
Arne Maier, 22.
Playing for Arminia Bielefeld (On loan from Hertha BSC), this dynamic and creative midfielder is a powerful but elegant player with great technique.
Jordan Torunarigha, 23.
Hertha BSC through and through, this man has football in his veins. His father and brother both played professionally. Technical, powerful, and commanding watch out for this talent.
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast vs Saudi Arabia 22nd July 2021 International Stadium
Brazil vs Ivory Coast 25th July 2021 International Stadium
Germany vs Ivory Coast 28th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Soualiho Haidara – will be taking the Ivory Coast to their second Olympic games. Laced with international talent, this team will give most a run for their money.
Golden Stars
Amad Diallo, 18.
The Manchester United winger will look to display his mercurial talent and show his new club what they can look forward to in the Premier League.
Wilfried Singo, 19.
The Torino fullback is an attacking menace to opposition defenders who utilizes speed, strength, and terrific dribbling to evade players.
Saudi Arabia
Ivory Coast vs Saudi Arabia 22nd July 2021 International Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs Germany 25th July 2021 International Stadium
Saudi Arabia vs Brazil 8th July 2021 Saitama Stadium
The Gaffer
Saad Al- Shehri – has overseen the Saudi Arabian Olympic team since 2018, they come into the tournament on the back of a second-place finish at the 2020 AFC U23 championship.
Golden Stars
Turki Al-Ammar, 21.
Regarded as the next best talent in Saudi Arabia, the Al Shabab midfielder is full of tricks, but he also has an end product to his play.
Khalid Al-Ghannam, 20.
Playing his football for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, this promising winger will look to create something out of nothing, emerging talent.
Did You know?
Football was temporarily dropped from the Olympics for the 1932 Game in Los Angeles.
FIFA had launched the World Cup only two years previously and American Football was instead included as a demonstration sport to appeal to an American audience.
Despite Olympic football turning professional in 1984, it wasn’t until 1992 that the age restriction for men was introduced. That meant there were two Games, 1984 and 1988 when it was an open-age tournament for professional players.
The record for most goals at a single competition belongs to Hungarian striker Ferenc Bene. He scored 12 times in just five games at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo. He is the only one in 104 years to do it.
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