In Group B, Argentina was asking for trouble. Facing Morocco, Ukraine and Iraq, Argentina had expected an easy win, but after winning the 2024 Copa America, the Argentine Olympic team led by Alvarez suffered a setback: a 2:0 loss to Morocco in the first round, followed by a 3:1 victory over Iraq in the second round to stabilize their position.
In the final round, Argentina was determined to win, however, France was undoubtedly the strongest opponent in Group A. If Argentina could beat Ukraine, it was expected to win the top spot in Group B on goal difference, avoiding France. As a result, Argentina won 2:0, Morocco 3:0 victory over Iraq, both sides have the same number of points, goal difference and goals scored, but Argentina due to the inferiority of the mutual results of the second in the group. For France, facing Argentina and Morocco is a far cry from facing the United States.
Alvarez, whose transfer rumors are abuzz and worth 90 million euros, made three starts in the group stage but came up empty-handed. He has publicly expressed his desire to leave City, apparently unwilling to become Harland's replacement. And City have said that it is not impossible to let him go as long as they receive the right offer.
Spain in Group C was also ill-fated. Facing Egypt, Uzbekistan and Dominican Republic, Spain won 2:1 and 1:0, but lacked dominance and persuasion. In the final round of the match with Egypt, Spain lost the first place in the group with a 1:1 draw, although it dominated the field.
In Group D, Japan showed strong potential to win the tournament. Facing Paraguay, Mali and Israel, the Japanese national Olympics won easily with scores of 5:0, 1:0 and 1:0. Despite the lack of overage players, the strength of these youngsters should not be underestimated.
Next up, France will face Argentina, Egypt will face Paraguay, Morocco will face the United States and Japan will face Spain in the quarterfinals.
Japan's national Olympic team, which has no overage players, lacks well-known stars, but its young players are strong and full of fighting spirit. Spain may not be a match for Japan, after all, they are just club replacements. Once they reach the final, the winner seems to be predictable.
Japan's national team coach, Mori Boichi, said in an interview, "Although the Japanese Football Association aims to win the World Cup in 2050, it shouldn't be that late." This statement was a surprise.
Compared to the adult national team, Japan's national Olympic team has more hopes of winning the Olympics.
The quarterfinals of the Olympic men's soccer team will be played on August 2 at 21:00, with the United States playing Morocco; at 23:00, with Japan playing Spain; on August 3 at 1:00, with Egypt playing Paraguay; and at 3:00, with Argentina playing France.
