The 2020 Tokyo Olympics Football comes to a climax this weekend, now that three weeks of top class entertainment have left us with two nations standing in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Sweden and Canada will contest the Women’s Football final and, after the completion of Tuesday’s semi-finals in Tokyo, Brazil U23s will face Spain U23s for the Men’s Gold medal. Both of the men’s semi-finals were hard fought wars of attrition and neither could be settled in normal time. In the first semi Mexico lost out to Brazil on penalties and so the Selecao heads to Yokohama for Saturday’s final where they will meet Spain, who edged out hosts Japan, thanks to a Marco Asensio goal deep into extra time.
So the hosts’ dreams of winning the Tokyo Men’s Football Gold are over and they will face Mexico for a Bronze.
Talking Points
El Tri’s semi heartbreak
The semi-final clash between Brazil and Mexico ended goalless after 120 minutes and, at that point, Mexico might have felt they had their biggest chance against the best team in the competition, according to the Olympics Football 2020 betting odds. But it wasn’t to be and now El Tri are aiming for third place. Head coach Jaime Lozano has a team packed by players from the Mexican leagues, with the exception of Real Betis’ 21 year old midfielder Diego Lainez, and they acquitted themselves superbly against the reigning Olympic champions who had Dani Alves, Gabriel Martinelli and Richarlison in their ranks.
When 120 minutes was up the tension was there for everyone to see, as a penalty shoot-out in the final elimination match is as hard as if gets for players and fans alike. For Mexico, Eduardo Aguirre saw his shot saved and then Johan Vasquez blasted his effort against the post as the Selacao ran out 4-1 winners. They had held their own for much of the 120 minutes though El Tri were almost undone just before the end of 90 minutes when Everton striker Richarlison, who is tournament top scorer with five, glanced a header against the post.
Hosts so close
While Japan didn’t have to suffer a cruel penalty shootout exit they too were put through the mill in a 120 minute epic battle at the Saitama Stadium against a talented Spain. Head coach Hajime Moryasu guided his team to a perfect group outcome as the only nation with a 100 per cent record, and they continued to show impressive discipline while always carrying a threat going forward. Japan striker Takefusa Kubo had an effort from close range saved by Spain keeper Unai Simon, while one of Spain’s superstars, Mikel Oyarzabal wasted some good chances at the other end.
Japan beat New Zealand on penalties to make the semi-final and it looked like spot kicks were looming again, until Real Madrid’s 25 year old striker Asensio curled in a beauty in the 115th minute to take Spain into the Gold Medal final.
The hosts are difficult to break down, but the fact they have failed to find the net in 240 minutes of knockout football will need addressing before they face a free-scoring Mexico on Friday.
History
Mexico U23s were the 2012 Olympic Gold Medalists and they would have fancied their chances here in Tokyo had they won the penalty shootout against Brazil.
They scored 14 goals in their five games leading up to the semi-final. A Group A defeat to Japan by 2-1 was the only bad result El Tri picked up in the campaign. They had big wins against France (4-1), South Africa 3-0 and then South Korea 6-3 in the quarter final, before pushing a star studded Brazil all the way in the semi-final.
Japan are seeking their first medal since taking Bronze at the 1968 Mexico games and, while Mexico have been more prolific in front of goal, the Japan players can go into the game with confidence having won their Group game against El Tri. Kubo and Ritsu Doan scored in the opening 11 minutes to put the hosts firmly in charge and the game seemed up for Mexico when they saw Vazquez sent off mid way through the second half. El Tri had brief hope when Roberto Alvarado halved the deficit with five minutes remaining but Japan held firm for the victory.
Mexico seem to have more momentum but Japan enjoy home advantage so we should see another nail-biter on Friday.
And then, here at SBOTOP, we’ll be back this weekend with a report on the final and a look at the top stars who have made the Olympics Football 2020 news headlines, and maybe one or two who didn’t!
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