The Spanish U-23 national team advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics men's soccer after beating the Japanese U-23 national team with a score of 3-0 in the quarter-finals at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais Stadium, Lyon, Friday.
In this match, Spain's victory came through goals scored by Fermin Lopez and Abel Ruiz, according to official Olympic records.
Spain will next meet Morocco in the semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics men's soccer at the Marseille Stadium, Marseille, Monday.
When the first half started, Spain immediately took the initiative to attack first and scored a goal in the 11th minute through Fermin Lopez's long-range shot so that the score changed to 1-0.
Trailing by one goal, Japan tried to equalize, but the waves of attacks they launched still couldn't break down Spain's defence.
Japan and Spain continued to exchange attacks, but the efforts made by both teams still didn't endanger the goal.
Japan managed to break through Spain's goal through Mao Hosoya's kick, but it was not validated by the referee because VAR decided that there was an offside that occurred first.
Entering the second half, Japan created the first opportunity through Koko Saito's header, but his effort was not accurate enough so that the ball only bounced away at the left post of the goal.
Then it was Spain's turn to provide a threat through Fermin Lopez's kick, but the ball was blocked by Japanese goalkeeper Leo Kokubo.
Spain again had the opportunity to increase their lead through a kick from Alex Baena after receiving a pass from Fermin Lopez, but the ball still went wide of the goal.
In the 73rd minute, Spain increased their lead after a kick from Fermin Lopez after receiving a corner kick and the ball broke into Japan's goal so that the score changed to 2-0.
Japan did not want to give up and created another opportunity after Mao Hosoya pounced on a loose ball in the Spanish penalty box, but the ball was saved by goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.
Spain successfully increased their lead to 3-0 after Abel Ruiz successfully pounced on a rebound in the Japanese penalty box in the 86th minute and the score remained that way until the referee blew the long whistle.