Merci Côte d’Ivoire!
We could hear the rhythmic beats of traditional African drums and some muffled singing as we waited for our visas to be processed. It got louder the closer we got to passport control before we were hit with a carnival atmosphere as soon as the sliding doors opened and we were in the Arrivals Hall. Bienvenue a Côte d’Ivoire! We had arrived.
Our plane had landed from Brussels via Benin, and I had spotted a number of football shirts on board – the green and white of Nigeria, green and red of Cameroon, and the ubiquitous orange of our hosts for the next 10 days.
Another plane landed just after us in Abidjan – the de facto capital of the Ivory Coast – and a sea of men and women clad in the white of Guinea and waving their national flags piled into the arrivals hall behind us. But that wasn’t to prepare us for what we were about to witness.
The live music accompanied with plenty of dancing made us feel like we had entered into another world. Not since the World Cup Brazil 2014 had I received such a welcome at an airport and there was a real feeling that this was a country where football was the order of the day – or month.
It was late at night when we arrived at our neighbourhood of Koumassi but there was no sign that things were dying down.
Open-air bars were packed with punters keenly watching the post-match analysis of the earlier games that night, smoke raised from the street food stalls that served fresh fish and chicken, while shacks were set up on every corner selling an array of football shirts. Cote d’Ivoire, check. Guinea, check. Mali and Senegal? Yep, they had it.
The international media before the tournament emphasised the importance of the hosts going ‘deep’ into the tournament to ensure good crowds but the Ivory Coast – and especially the metropolis of Abidjan – is a melting pot of West African cultures.
The ‘father of the nation’, President Felix Houphouet-Boigny, invited hundreds of thousands of guest workers from neighbouring countries to Cote d’Ivoire in his attempt to build an advanced capitalist society in the 1970s and many of them have stayed, despite successive Civil Wars in the country in the 2000s. As a result, we spotted just as many shirts around the streets of Abidjan of other nations as we did the hosts.
On our way to the cool, beach-front neighbourhood of Blockhauss – overlooked by the diplomatic quarter and the imposing Sofitel (the home of AfCON’s machine for the tournament) – we dived into a local bar after we heard some cheering.
Fans gather for the match against Equatorial Guinea
Photo: Rhys Hartley
We struggled to find a seat but were quickly welcomed to share a table with a group of three, when we noticed that everyone in the bar was kitted out in matching Burkina Faso replicas.
A penalty put them ahead against heavy favourites, Algeria, and the place went wild with dancing, hugging, and a ‘Santè’ in our direction. They thought we’d brought them luck!
It wasn’t to last, as Algeria scored a last-gasp equaliser, sending our new friend across the table into tears. We quickly bade farewell, and I committed to buying a shirt of my new adopted team for the tournament.
While comments from abroad may focus on the lack of crowds in some games (a 2pm Friday kick-off of Cape Verde v Mozambique didn’t exactly capture the imagination – and we must remember that 40% of the population live below the poverty line), each game was watched with the same intensity, no matter who was playing nor the time of day.
Every TV across the country was tuned into French broadcaster Canal Plus’s dedicated channel to AfCON 24/7, and it was clear that football had gripped the nation.
People may roll their eyes at the importance of football but it has been credited with bringing to an end the first Civil War in Cote d’Ivoire. After qualifying for the World Cup in 2006, Didier Drogba – possibly the country’s most famous export – announced that the country’s next match would be played in Bouake, the heartland of the rebellion. A shock move but one that saw opposing forces sit together in the stands and crowds flock the pitch in unison after their 5-0 victory over Madagascar.
The ‘Elephants’’ success has certainly had an impact on maintaining the peace in this divided country since then, being a symbol that everyone can unite behind. That was the impression that the government and wider population wanted to impart upon us visitors and everyone else watching from around Africa and beyond at this year’s tournement.
However, all was not well on the pitch.
In the impressive 60,000-seater stadium in Ebimpe, around 30 kilometres north of downtown Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire played their final group game against unfancied Equatorial Guinea, knowing that a point would probably be enough to get them through.
An expectant crowd grew impatient as a cagey first half an hour passed before a shock goal saw the visitors take the lead. VAR intervened to deny two goals to the boys in orange, who seemed to panic from there on in. They attacked in numbers but left holes at the back, which the experienced Equatorial Guineans used to their advantage to stun the tournament’s hosts.
They ran out 4-0 winners against all the odds, leading to plenty of unsavoury scenes in the stands, on the running tracks, and on the way back into town – we spotted a row of the shuttle buses put on for fans with their windows smashed in completely. It really was more than just a game.
Nobody believed that Côte d’Ivoire would go through, needing results in every other group to go their way for them to be among the best third-placed teams with just three points and a goal difference of minus 3.
It came down to the penultimate night of the group stages. Ghana had a worse record than them, so they just needed one other team to finish in third with a worse record. Morocco to beat Zambia. Easy, right?
In Bouake, the second-largest city, every man, woman and child was glued to the TV, urging the North Africans to do them a favour. A first-half goal eased the tension for a while but the second half dragged on with no further goals.
Cue wild celebrations, with people lifting chairs above their heads and dancing all around the bar. All of a sudden, a group of young men with their shirts off started running past the bar and onto the city’s main thoroughfare, whistling and cheering, as cars beeped their horns. The country came to a standstill as they celebrated their unlikely qualification to the next round.
With the hosts still in the competition, I bade my farewell to the tournament as part of a sell-out crowd at the smaller 30,000-seater stadium in Abidjan.
After walking for hours for two days straight in the 35-degree heat trying to find a ticket, we left it until an hour before kick-off to source a tout in the vicinity of the ground. A late second goal saw the ‘Super Eagles’ of Nigeria kill off the ‘Indomitable Lions’ of Cameroon after a spirited performance, as the Nigerians partied long into and the Cameroonians made plans to return home.
Contrary to the theme of this year’s tournament, this wasn’t a shock result – but there were plenty of those to come. Cote d’Ivoire are somehow still in the competition! They defeated tournament favourites, Senegal, in the Round of 16 before a last-minute equaliser saw them take Mali to extra time with just 10 men, going on to win the tie in the last minute of the additional 30.
Other shocks included World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, and heavily-fancied Algeria bowing out early in a poor tournametn for North African sides.
While a Nigeria v Cote d’Ivoire final may seem expected, a semi-final lineup including South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo was not on anyone’s mind going into the tournament – even less so following the first few rounds of group games! But, in a country where football is taken so seriously, it so fits that the product on offer has been so gripping.
This is the most exciting tournament I’ve been lucky enough to witness (personal Welsh affiliations aside) and the welcome we received from the moment we touched down to the second we left will stay in the mind even longer than the football.
Whatever happens this weekend – Merci, Cote d’Ivoire (and bon chance)!
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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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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The third and final round of the African qualifiers will commence this week with just 10 countries left looking to ensure a place in this winters tournament in Qatar.
With the African Cup of Nations having just taken place in Cameroon earlier in the year, most of the sides will be acutely aware of what they are up against ahead of a colossal week in the continent.
There are sure to have five fascinating encounters so it is time to take a look at what is in store.
Egypt vs Senegal
This is the one everyone has been waiting for. Just 47 days removed from their penalty shoot-out in the Cup of Nations final, Egypt and Senegal will do battle once more for a place in Qatar.
Sadio Mane came out on top on that occasion with club team mate Mohamed Salah left heartbroken and Salah will be hoping the tables turn this time around.
The Egyptians cruised through a potentially difficult group in the previous round with an unbeaten record and will look to Salah to inspire once more, as he did en route to the final in Cameroon.
Senegal also came through their group unbeaten, with only a 1-1 draw in Togo preventing the Lions of Teranga from gaining a 100% record.
It will be an intriguing clash of styles once more as Carlos Queiroz’s defensive approach arguably does not help their star player but does seem to get the best results for the team.
Senegal will be on the front foot and will have the confidence gaining from February’s first-ever continental triumph.
Cameroon vs Algeria
Cameroon were the hosts of the Cup of Nations and performed admirably on home soil, reaching the semi-finals only to be knocked out on penalties against Egypt.
Vincent Aboubakar finished as the top goalscorer at the tournament and coach Rigobert Song will look to the Al-Nassr striker to provide the goals once more.
The Indomitable Lions came through one of the toughest tests in the previous round by topping a group ahead of the Ivory Coast and appear battle hardened ahead of this crucial clash.
Algeria were among the tournament favourites heading into the Cup of Nations but performed abysmally in Cameroon which does not bode well for this game.
Djamel Belmadi has kept his job and will need Riyad Mahrez to transfer his form for Manchester City over to the national team if they are to return to the world stage for the first time since 2014.
The Desert Warriors were undefeated in a tough group involving Burkina Faso in round two but will need to improve hugely here after scoring only one goal in Cameroon.
Ghana vs Nigeria
Ghana were another side that performed abysmally in January, finishing bottom of their group and failing to win a single match.
Milovan Rajevac paid for it with his job with Otto Addo installed as caretaker manager for this clash. Intriguingly, Chris Hughton has also come in as a technical advisor. How much control he has though is anyone’s guess.
The Black Stars edged South Africa into second spot in the previous round and will look mainly to the squad used at the Cup of Nations. Thomas Partey has been in excellent form for Arsenal and will need to carry that form along here.
Nigeria suffered a surprise exit in the round of 16 in Cameroon but will still surely be confident of reaching a fourth consecutive World Cup.
Augustine Eguavoen’s side will be desperate to make up for that disappointment against their West African rivals and will look to the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze for inspiration.
The Super Eagles edged past Cape Verde in the previous round but will be favourites to progress where they will no doubt run into Argentina in the group stages once again.
DR Congo vs Morocco
DR Congo were the first sub-Saharan nation to qualify for the World Cup in 1974 under their former name Zaire but have not returned to the finals since.
The Leopards have Hector Cuper at the helm who took charge of Egypt in the finals in 2018 and who can call on a wealth of club experience.
Having failed to qualify for the AFCON, Cuper’s side had one of the kinder draws in World Cup qualifying, overcoming Benin and Tanzania to reach this stage.
Morocco on the other hand reached the last eight in Cameroon before falling to neighbours Egypt after extra time.
The Atlas Lions were flawless in the previous round, winning all six games against the likes of Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
Vahid Halihodzic’s side will fancy their chances here of reaching a second consecutive World Cup after a promising showing in Russia in 2018.
Achraf Hakimi is the star man and will be keen to showcase his ability on the biggest stage.
Mali vs Tunisia
Mali represent probably the best chance of seeing a debutant at this year’s tournament but will be wary following their defeat to Equatorial Guinea on penalties in Cameroon.
Les Aigles were unbeaten in the previous round and will be hopeful that this is finally their time after watching on as their rivals qualified for decades.
Amadou Haidara will be the key in midfield for coach Mohamed Magassouba ahead of two of the biggest games in the country’s history.
Tunisia pulled off a surprise win over Nigeria in Cameroon but came unstuck at the quarter-final stage at the hands of Burkina Faso.
The Eagles of Carthage have qualified for the World Cup five teams but have never progressed past the group stages but did achieve a first victory since 1978 against Panama in Russia.
Tunisia came through a difficult group involving Equatorial Guinea and Zambia to get this far and coach Jalel Kadri will look to former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri.
The first leg of all of these ties will take place on Friday with the return leg on the following Tuesday.
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Mohamed Salah was silenced in a shocker from the Pharoahs, and Nigeria top Group D.
The match began cagily for both sides, with neither keeper tested early on.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who was often isolated in the first half, dropped deeper to attempt to influence the play but failed to challenge the Super Eagles backline in the opening period.
Moses Simon’s mazy run produced the game’s first chance, beating three Egypt defenders before blasting into Mohamed El Shanawy’s side netting.
Pressure mounted, and finally wilted for Egypt when Kelechi Iheanacho found the top corner.
Simon’s cross was poorly cleared by Ahmed Hegazy, allowing Joe Aribo to find the Leicester City striker on the edge of the box. His half-volley was unstoppable, sending Nigeria fans into raptures.
It was his first international goal since September, when he struck twice in a two-nil win over Liberia in World Cup qualifying.
In the second half, the same themes continued, with Nigeria capitalising on Egypt defensive frailties. They very nearly made it two when Mahmoud Hamdy’s tackle fell into the path of Iheanacho. Luckily for Carlos Queiroz’s side, he scuffed his touch.
Egypt began to look more encouraged as the half went on, but they failed to test Watford’s new signing Maduka Okoye in the Super Eagles net until Mohamed Salah scrambled an effort into his midriff.
Nigeria then suffered a setback with Kenneth Omeruo, stricken by an injury, was replaced by Semi Ajayi. The former Chelsea defender fell awkwardly after a corner, and could be a big miss for Augustine Eguavoen.
A late wave of Egypt pressure nearly resulted in another Nigeria goal, but a fine stop from El-Shanawy denied substitute Chidera Ejuke.
Nigeria deservedly won, and top Group D. Sudan and Guinea-Buissau face off later on in the remaining fixture.
Nigeria: Okoye; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Aribo, Ndidi, Simon; Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Iheanacho
Egypt: El Shenawy; Hegazy, Hamdy, Fathi; Tawfik, Trezeguet, Elneny, Fattoh; Marmoush, Mohamed; Salah
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Is there a more maligned International football tournament than the African Cup of Nations? Africa’s showpiece tournament has been battered and bruised but is still here to take its pride of place on the world’s footballing landscape.
Finally, Cameroon will showcase its people, culture and lifestyle by hosting the tournament this year. Politics, deficits, intrigues, egos, vendetta and a small matter of a pandemic are some of the issues that the country has faced after being confirmed as hosts four years ago.
It may well be the longest protracted hosting saga in tournament history, but here we are now, and come Sunday 9th January 2022, the 33rd edition of the AFCON will kick off in front of a worldwide audience.
As with every football tournament, there will be favourites, minnows, underdogs, and dark horses.
The hosts
The Indomitable Lions host this tournament on the back of the election of a football legend, Samuel Eto’o as President of the Cameroonian Football Federation. An organisation that has been embroiled and embattled with different controversies.
With Eto’o comes a new direction, a breath of fresh year, and an opportunity for Cameroonian football to begin a new era with a success, by winning the tournament for the sixth time in their history.
With home advantage, you cannot write them off, although, this current team is not as star-studded as previous sides. The likes of Zambo Anguissa, Andre Onana, and Karl Toko Ekambi are standout stars and carry a huge responsibility on their shoulders to emulate their predecessors.
The underdogs
Every tournament needs an underdog, a team that can throw a spanner in the works of the established order. In this case, Cape Verde, Gambia, and Guinea.
Cape Verde have ruffled feathers over the last few years across Africa, last month they could have stolen a World Cup play-off place from Nigeria in the dying minutes of their final group game. The island nation also qualified undefeated in a group including Cameroon.
Gambia should not be underestimated either, having finished top of their qualification group which consisted of illustrious names like DR Congo and Angola. Finishing ahead of Gabon on goals scored, they have a huge point to prove that their qualification was no fluke.
Guinea complete the underdogs’ selection, with a wealth of quality in the form of midfielders, Naby Keita, Amadou Diawara and upcoming RB Leipzig star Ilaix Moriba, and a qualification run that saw them finish second behind Mali.
The dark horses
Burkina Faso had an incredible run to the 2013 final where they lost to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, but, they have not relented on that achievement with an unbeaten run through the qualifiers and look like a team with an outside chance of making a run for Africa’s Premier Football trophy.
Mali too, are previous finalists however, that was back in 1972. This current generation holds the huge burden of emulating their predecessors. Mohamed Magassouba’s men find themselves in a wide-open group with Tunisia the only major force.
Morocco have traditionally been a major underachiever, having have explored different avenues and tried different managers the outcome remained the same. However, this year, the talent available on the playing and coaching front places them as one of those to keep an eye on. The Atlas Lions might just fulfil their potential.
Tunisia are another North African outfit that have also underachieved over the years since their triumph in 2004. Qualifying comfortably from a group that comprised of Libya, Tanzania, and Equatorial Guinea, Tunisia, just like Morocco, participated in the recently concluded FIFA Arab Cup, hence they have had competitive match practice to prepare for this AFCON.
The contenders
Three of West Africa’s footballing superpowers fall under this category. With a combined nine AFCON titles between them, you do not know what to expect from Ghana, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast.
Talent-wise, all three are in a good place, although Nigeria have suffered the huge blow of losing the top scorer from the qualifying rounds in Victor Osimhen, while Ghana are yet to find a goal-scoring hero since the departure of Asamoah Gyan from the international stage.
Ivory Coast are still in search of the cohesion and team spirit that existed in previous Elephant sides. They appear to be a balanced team on paper which may just be aided by the continuity they have from a coaching perspective.
The favourites
Without a shadow of a doubt, the favourites come from North Africa. Record holders, Egypt and defending Champions, Algeria are well prepared for the onslaught on Cameroon.
It is difficult to look beyond both teams, especially with their exploits at the FIFA Arab Cup. Algeria won that tournament defeating Tunisia, whilst Egypt lost the third-place playoff to Qatar.
With their AFCON squads only consisting of a few changes from the Arab Cup, both teams are playing at a level far and above the rest of Africa and have two players in their ranks that you can describe as Africa’s finest, Mohammed Salah and Riyad Mahrez.
Senegal complete the favourites conversation, in Aliou Cisse, they have a man who has the desire and the know-how to take them on another run to the summit backed by quality personnel in every area of the pitch.
A squad consisting of the likes of Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gana Gueye have a great chance of helping the Taranga Lions to be crowned African champions following years of wait and anguish.
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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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]]>Group A
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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]]>Away from the ludicrous African Super League idea of Infantino and his puppet Motsepe, this is African Football in it’s truest form.
Africa has finally embraced the concept of a one legged continental cup final, thereby putting an end to the controversies a two legged affair springs up from time to time.
The choice of a viable venue to host Africa’s showpiece Club continental finals may continue to be a headache for the authorities governing football on the continent as the choice locations are limited to probably just ten or, maximum, fifteen nations.
With that aside, coupled with the controversies surrounding the television rights structure for African football, a final between clubs from two powerhouse leagues is a befitting way to conclude the season for the newly elected CAF Executives led by Patrice Motsepe.
The Stade Mohammed V in the beautiful city of Casablanca will host the 2021 instalment of Africa’s showpiece club football competition as nine-time champions Al Ahly seek to continue their domination of football on the club scene. The club of the century take on South African giants, Kaizer Chiefs, who have under achieved in the last few years, more or less in the shadows of eternal rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Egyptian giants aim for back to back wins under South African Coach Pitso Mosimane, who also has a title under his belt with Mamelodi Sundowns, there by aiming for a record third Champions League trophy with two different teams. An achievement like this will put him only behind a coaching legend of the African game and former Al Ahly Coach, Manuel Jose and will further enhance his stock to astronomical levels.
Kaizer Chiefs like earlier stated continue to live in the shadows of Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns due to their success on the African continent. Amakhosi will be appearing in their first ever CAF Champions League final which would make for sweet reward if they succeed in Casablanca after a disappointing domestic season where they finished 8th in the PSL.
Two previous final appearances in the defunct Cup Winners Cup and CAF Confederations Cup is all the experience they have at this stage. Put that side by side with Al Ahly’s imperious record on the continent, there is no comparison.
Kaizer Chiefs have it all to do against the most successful side ever on the African continent. But it is doable considering the adversity they faced to get to this final.
Key Results en route to the Final
For every finals appearance, there are always games that propel a team to their success. Games where they stole victory from the jaws of defeat or, at least, they were able to salvage a draw. For Amakhosi, it had to be the games against Horaya in the group stage; where they came from behind twice to salvage a draw that ensured a better head to head against the Guineans.
In the knockout rounds, their ability to hold on away to Simba in Tanzania whilst three goals down with a four goal advantage on the line took a performance of unimaginable proportions and that win away to Wydad in the semi finals just made things a lot easier in the return leg in South Africa which ended goalless.
For defending champions Al Ahly it wasn’t as smooth a ride as they are usually used to. Finishing second in their group, behind Simba who they lost to. But the big result for the Egyptians has to be that victory away to AS Vita.
A visit to Pitso’s previous hunting ground at Mamelodi Sundowns. A home win in Cairo, and then a draw away in South Africa set the stage for a semi final clash with Esperance which they made light work of.
Key Players to look out for
Mohammed Sherif (Al Ahly)
The Egyptian is the current top scorer in the CAF Champions League this term and he is expected to deliver the goals that will seal victory for the Egyptian giants.
Samir Nurkovic (Kaizer Chiefs)
The Serbian has been the main source of goals for Amakhosi this season; Eighteen goals in all competitions sets him up as the man to watch as they go for their first Champions League success.
Whatever happens in Casablanca, we can rest assured that the football will tell the real African story and shine a light on the beautiful game away from the madness happening in the CAF boardroom.
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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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