WATCH: Fermin Lopez scores banger to put Spain in Olympics 2024 semi-finals

In order to secure a position in the semifinals, Japan and Spain squared off in the quarterfinals. Spain won 3-0, but the way the game was played, they deserved it. They are awaited by Morocco in the semifinals and the winner of the match will move onto the final and have a shot at the gold medal. The loser will have to battle it out in the bronze medal match for their country.

After receiving the free kick, Miranda lifts the ball over the wall. Though his effort was going toward the left-hand side of the goal, Kokubo made a great diving stop. Fermin Lopez volleys in a superb attempt after the ball is pounded to him from the ensuing corner. He veers the ball out from the goalie after getting his laces through it. The FC Barcelona midfielder was the one who opened the scoring in the first half. 

With a superb free kick from Sergio Gomez's right foot, the skipper puts Spain ahead to 3-0. Ruiz scores his initial strike of the tournament when Ohata is unable to handle it on the line. The game was already done before this goal but it only added more misery to the Japan team. Spain look lethal so far in this tournament and seem to be one of the favourites to take the gold medal home. Morocco awaits them in the semi-finals.

Firmin Lopez u beauty!!!#Paris2024 #ParisOlympics2024 #Olympics #spain #firminlopez #lopez #JPNESP #football pic.twitter.com/hdbgwTdbFB

— Bhaskar A (@BhaskarAL23) August 2, 2024

How did Spain and Japan fare in the group stage of the Paris Olympics 2024?

Only France was able to win all three of their games at the Paris Olympics 2024 without conceding, but also Japan easily won their group. Their decisive 5-0 victory against Paraguay set the stage for their subsequent two close 1-0 victories over Mali and Israel.

Spain was not the best in their group. They overcame a resolute Uzbekistan team 2-1 before defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1. But they were defeated by Egypt and had to settle for second place in Group C.