Paris 2024: Egypt, Morocco, and Argentina Reach the Quarterfinals

France sealed Group A and advanced to face Argentina in the quarterfinals with a third straight scoreless match against New Zealand. At the same time, the United States advanced to their first Olympic quarterfinal since 2000 with a win over Guinea, set up a last-eight match against Morocco, in part due to a brace from Kevin Paredes.

Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri earned Argentina a spot in the quarterfinals. Still, Abde Ezzalzouli's miracle goal capped a resounding Moroccan victory that advanced them to the next round as Group B victors. With two goals from Ibrahim Adel, Egypt stunned Spain and advanced to the knockout round of Group C.

Group D winners Paraguay advanced to face Egypt in the round of 16, while Japan advanced to face Spain thanks to a late goal from a player who had already qualified. Paraguay produced another miraculous goal in their 1-0 victory against Mali.

Group A

New Zealand 0-3 France

France won Group A with a victory against New Zealand and will face Argentina in the quarterfinals. At the 19-minute mark, Jean Philippe-Mateta put the Kiwis ahead with a deft lofted finish. Thierry Henry's Les Bleus cruised to an easy win despite the New Zealanders' best efforts. Desire Doue and Arnaud Kalimuendo scored twice in the second half to seal the deal. Les Bleus are still undefeated at Paris 2024.

USA 3-0 Guinea

After sweeping Guinea 3-0 in Saint-Etienne to finish second in Group A, the United States is cruising into its first Olympic quarterfinal since Sydney 2000. In the fourteenth minute, the United States took the lead on a free-kick from Djordje Mihailovic, who finished it with an inch-perfect right foot that found the top left corner of the goal. Paredes scored the second goal for the United States in the 31st minute after receiving a beautifully weighted pass from Paxton Aaronson. The 3-0 triumph was completed in the 75th minute when Paredes scored with a solid left-footed strike.

Group B

Ukraine 0–2 Argentina

After the first half, a game that started cautiously picked up steam. After a magnificent save by Kiril Fesiun from Luciano Gondou, Mykola Mykhaylenko danced into the Argentina area, but Marco Di Cesare made a spectacular save to deny him. Echeverri slipped home a rebound after Almada broke the tie with a moving shot from long range, and the outcome was sealed.

Morocco 3-0 Iraq

Morocco advanced to the next round and won their area due to their outstanding performance in Nice. Soufiane Rahimi scored his fourth goal of the competition after Amir Richardson headed home the opening goal from a magnificent cross by Achraf Hakimi. The stunning performance was capped off by Ezzalzouli, who dipped in from the left and unleashed a powerful shot from beyond the box, completing the triumph.

Group C

Dominican Republic 1-1 Uzbekistan

The Dominican Republic's Olympic journey ended after a 1-1 tie with already-eliminated Uzbekistan. Following the half, the Caribbean country seized the lead thanks to a penalty kick from Rafael Nunez. The kick came after Abdukodir Khusanov fouled Nowend Lorenzo. Uzbekistan equalized seven minutes later when Alisher Odilov burst into the penalty area and slotted the ball in, reducing the advantage to a single goal.

Spain 1-2 Egypt

After a thrilling 2-1 victory against Spain, Egypt clinched their spot in the next round as Group C champions. Just before halftime, the African country took the lead thanks to a brilliant finish from Ibrahim Adel after Zizo burst down the right and set the ball back. He went at it again just after the hour, dunk-ing home on a sloppy backpass. In the dying seconds of regulation time, Spain's Samu Omorodion scored a late equalizer, but it wasn't enough.

Group D

Israel 0-1 Japan

After a last-second victory against Israel, Japan topped Group D with a perfect record and will now play Spain in the round of 16. In the first minute of extra time, substitute Mao Hosaya neatly stroked a first-time attempt into the bottom corner after a cutback by Kein Sato. The contest lacked clear-cut opportunities. Early in both halves, goalkeeper Leo Kokubo had to cope with ordinary attempts from Liel Abada and Oscar Gloukh, but he was barely tested otherwise.

Paraguay 1-0 Mali

In their quarterfinal match against Egypt, Paraguay defeated Mali in Paris thanks to another fantastic goal from Marcelo Fernandez. After a swift one-touch move put the South American team in the lead, Fernandez could get possession on the right side of the penalty area and unleash a powerful left-footed shot from beyond the box. Ahmed Diomande tried an overhead kick just before halftime, but it went straight to Robert Fernandez. Brahima Diarra displayed great footwork in the second half to create space before wildly missing the target as Mali fought for an equalizer.

Next, at the Men's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024

Quarterfinals | Friday, 2 August

15:00 | Morocco v USA

17:00 | Japan v Spain

19:00 | Egypt v Paraguay

21:00 | France v Argentina

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