A mouth-watering quartet of fixtures will kick off beginning of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament knockout stage, with eight sides soon to become four as the battle for a medal heats up.
Hosts France will face Argentina in a blockbuster Bordeaux battle, while Morocco take on USA in Paris. The tournament’s joint-top scorers Japan are up against Spain in Lyon, while Group C conquerers Egypt will face a rejuvenated Paraguay in an intriguing Marseille match-up.
Men’s Olympic Football Tournament fixtures: Quarter-finals
Morocco v USA
Parc des Princes, Paris
Kick-off: 15:00 (all kick-off times are local)
Facts and figures
This will be Morocco’s first-ever knockout game at the Olympics.
The USA won their most recent quarter-final match, defeating Japan on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Sydney 2000.
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“This [qualifying for the quarter-finals] is the first step of what we came here to do. But hopefully the fans are going to get behind us and keep supporting back home – and hopefully we can give them something to be proud of.”
Walker Zimmerman, USA defender
Japan v Spain
Stade de Lyon
Kick-off: 17:00
Facts and figures
These two teams met in the knockout stages of Tokyo 2020. Spain progressed on that occasion, defeating Japan 1-0 in the semi-final.
Japan have won three of their previous four quarter-final ties at the Games.
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“It goes without saying that Spain are of a high level. However, we have improved a lot during this tournament and we want to make sure we play our way, our style.”
Go Oiwa, Japan coach
“We have to improve [after the 2-1 defeat to Egypt]. If there has to be a setback, let it be in the group stage, that’s what my experience tells me. The players are going to give it their all in the next game, you’ll see it. I believe in them.”
Santi Denia, Spain coach
Egypt v Paraguay
Stade de Marseille
Kick-off: 19:00
Facts and figures
Egypt have reached the quarter-final stage in their last three visits to the Games.
Paraguay’s most recent appearance in the last eight was a 3-2 victory over Korea Republic at Athens 2004, with the South Americans eventually going on to win the silver medal.
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“We have to respect every team, but we have been dreaming about this moment for a long time. We have been preparing for this for two years with the aim of surprising everyone and going down in history.”
Rogerio Micale, Egypt coach
France v Argentina
Stade de Bordeaux
Kick-off: 21:00
Facts and figures
This is the first time that France and Argentina have met in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.
France haven’t faced South American opposition at the Games since defeating Brazil 2-0 to win their maiden gold medal at Los Angeles 1984.
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“A new tournament now begins. Right now, for example, we haven’t conceded a single goal at the tournament. You could concede one in the quarter-final, then you’re out. We need to stay composed and focused.”
Thierry Henry, France coach
