Argentina edge past Iraq to keep Paris Olympic dream alive

Argentina will play Iraq in the men's football competition at the Paris Olympics 2024 at the Groupama Stadium on Saturday, hoping to recover from a defeat in their opening match. On Wednesday, Javier Mascherano's team lost 1-2 to Morocco, while Iraq shared first place in Group B following a 2-1 victory over Ukraine. In the end, this was the first-ever match between Argentina U23 and Iraq U23 in any competition.

Argentina broke the deadlock in the thirteenth minute of their match against Iraq, scoring the first goal quickly. After Julián Álvarez chested out the ball just several meters from goal, Thiago Almada scored from the left hand side of the area to the near post, making the score 1-0.

Winning in the air, Aymen Hussein headed straight for Geronimo Rulli's right side. Iraq was able to equalize with the final kick of the first half because the Argentine goalkeeper was unable to keep them out.

Argentina led 2-1 after Kevin Zenón burst through on the left side and crossed for Luciano Gondou, who scored an unguarded header. The game was still tense with the next goal going to be a decisive one and it could have been the one that could change the situation of the group altogether. 

Spain ensure knockout stage qualification with easy win

In Spain's second match in the Paris Olympics 2024 versus the Dominican Republic, Fermin Lopez scored with a right-footed effort from near the penalty spot into the bottom left corner.

Dominican Republic tied the score with their first shot on goal. After Edison Azcona took a corner, the ball drifted to the back post, where Montes de Oca stood up to head it inside. Azcona's stupid kickout caused him to be sent from the game for violent behavior. He was pushed forward to the edge of the technical zone and launched himself at his opponent with a kick from the ground.

With no opportunity for the goalkeeper at the near post, Alex Baena surged into the right edge of the box and struck the defender with his shot. Shortly after entering the game, Miguel Gutierrez scored the third goal. Twenty minutes to go, a straightforward tap-in from close quarters to end the game. Spain have now qualified as the winners of the Group with a game to spare.