Olympic soccer Brazil, Japan march into the quarterfinals, Germany, France away

Defending champions Brazil reached the quarter-finals of the men’s Olympic football tournament after leading Group D with a 3-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, while Ivory Coast reserved their place by sending Germany home.

Japan moved further after knocking out knockout blows with a 4-0 win over 10-man France to stay perfect in Group A. Takefusa Kubo, Hiroki Sakai, Koji Miyoshi and Daizen Maeda all scored for the fierce hosts, while Randal Kolo Muani was ruled out for France. They face New Zealand in the quarter-finals, while Mexico, who beat France to second place in Group A with a 3-0 win over South Africa, face South Korea.

Brazilian striker Richarlison, who scored a hat trick in the opening game against Germany, headed to make it 2-1 before scoring his fifth away goal at the Games to seal all three points at Saitama Stadium and set a quarter-finals with Egypt. It took the South Americans just 14 minutes to take the lead when striker Matheus Cunha headed the ball past goalkeeper Amin Albukhari after a Claudinho corner, but Saudi Arabia headed defender Abdulelah Alamri to make it 1-1 from a free kick.

Brazil, without the firepower of Neymar and Gabriel Jesus from the 2016 Games, scored four goals against Germany but struggled in a goalless draw with Ivory Coast and their inconsistency showed again. Guilherme Arana, Diego Carlos and Antony missed no chances in the first half and Cunha only hit the post after the break as already-knocked out Saudi Arabia frustrated Brazil before Richarlison’s blocking.

Spain emerged as Group C winners after beating Argentina 1-1 when Mikel Merino’s goal in the second half was canceled by Tomas Belmonte three minutes from time. Egypt joined them after a 2-0 win over Australia put the Africans in second place in the group against Argentina due to goal difference.

The Ivory Coast prevailed at Germany’s expense and secured a 1-1 draw against the silver medalists in 2016 at the Miyagi Stadium. The Africans took the lead in the 67th minute with an awkward but ultimately successful shot from Benjamin Henrichs’ right.

Germany increased the pressure on the dying phase, but Ivory Coast insisted on becoming number two in the group and arranged a meeting with Spain. South Korean striker Hwang Ui-jo scored a hat trick in a 6-0 win over Honduras, while New Zealand came through after a goalless draw with Romania.

(This story is not edited by Devdiscourse staff and is automatically generated from a syndicated feed.)

–