Brazil and Spain move into the semi-finals of the men’s Tokyo Olympics football competition

Brazil celebrate a goal against Egypt
AFP via Getty Images
Tom Rostance31 July 2021

Brazil and Spain overcame tricky tests to reach the semi-finals of the men’s Olympics football competition.

Defending champions Brazil saw off Egypt 1-0 thanks to a goal from Matheus Cunha while Spain were seconds away from going out to Ivory Coast.

Former Leeds and Leicester midfielder Max Gradel put the African side 2-1 up in stoppage time but Wolves striker Rafa Mir scored in the 94th minute.

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Mir then completed a hat-trick in extra-time as Spain secured a 5-2 win and set up a semi-final against hosts Japan.

They beat New Zealand on penalties after a tense goalless draw. Brazil will face Mexico - winners in London - who saw off South Korea in a thrilling 6-3 win.

“We would’ve liked to have scored in the 90 minutes but New Zealand are a good team and really gave us a tough game,” Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu told reporters.

“It’s going to be a tough game in the semi-finals, but we will stick together as a unit and battle it out to the death and try and reach the final.”

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