Sapporo –
Spanish had to work hard to get his first win in Tokyo 2020 Olympics soccer sport. La Rojita beat Australia 1-0 through goals in the remaining ten minutes of the game.
In the second match of Group C which was held at the Sapporo Dome, Sunday (25/7/2021) afternoon WIB, Spain made several changes by fielding Javier Puado in the attack line to replace the injured Dani Ceballos.
Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella and Oscar Gil played at full-back because of Oscar Mingueza’s injury. Martin Zubimendi, Pedri, and Carlos Soler played in midfield.
As usual, Spain did dominate the game. They didn’t give Australia a chance to develop their game. But, again Spain struggled to penetrate the Australian defense.
Many opportunities were wasted because of the poor finishing of the players. After the first half ended in a goalless draw, Spain tried to increase the intensity of attacks in the second half.
But, again, Spain could not create a dangerous opportunity in front of goal Thomas Glover. Glover played brilliantly with five saves from chance after chance made by Oyarzabal, Dani Olmo and Carlos Soler.
To sharpen the attack line, Marco Asensio, Bryan Gil, and Rafa Mir were played in the middle of the second half. The entry of Asensio did change the Spanish game a bit, but they still struggled to score goals.
The deadlock was only broken in the 81st minute when Spain patiently built an attack from the right. Asensio accurately sent a cross into the middle of the penalty box and Oyarzabal headed into the far post Glover’s goal.
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Mikel Oyarzabal heads the ball against Australia Photo: AP/Silvia Izquierdo– |
After winning 1-0, Spain in the form of adding another goal but the effort has not met results. Until the match was over, Spain still won 1-0 and climbed to the top of Group C with four points, one point ahead of Australia in second and Argentina in third.
Argentina won their first win after beating Egypt 1-0 a few hours earlier. Spanish and Argentina will compete in the final match at the Saitama stadium on July 28, while at the same time Australia meet Egypt at the Miyagi stadium.
Who will pass?
(mrp / then)
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