Saitama, July 28: Some of soccer’s biggest nations have fallen at the first stage in the Tokyo Olympics men’s tournament, failing to advance from the group stage Wednesday.
Some of the competition’s favourites including Argentina, France and Germany failed to progress.
Even with stars from the team’s run to the European Championship semifinals earlier this month, Spain was held 1-1 by Argentina in the final group game. But it was still enough to top Group C and set up a quarterfinal meeting with Ivory Coast.
Egypt took second place in Group C after Yasser Rayan and Amar Hamdi clinched a 2-0 win over Australia.
Egypt’s quarterfinal is against defending champion Brazil, which sealed first place in Group D with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Ivory Coast, who reached the quarterfinals at its previous Olympic appearance in 2008, claimed a 1-1 draw with Germany to take second place in Group D.
France leaves after another heavy loss, beaten 4-0 by Japan. The host nation had the only perfect record in the group stage with three wins. France conceded the most goals 11 across the four groups.
Mexico recovered from losing to Japan to beat South Africa 3-0 and secure a quarterfinal with South Korea, which routed Honduras 6-0 to top Group B.
New Zealand drew 0-0 with Romania to finish second and go through to a clash with Japan. (AP)
