2024 Olympics: Spain labour to victory against unfancied Uzbekistan

Spain's goalkeeper #01 Arnau Tenas (L) fights for the ball with Uzbekistan's defender #04 Khusniddin Alikulov (rear) during the men's group C football match between Uzbekistan and Spain of the the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Parc des Princes in Paris on July 24, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)

Silver medallists in Tokyo three years ago, Spain were made to work hard to beat Uzbekistan in their Group C opener at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the spectators watching a Spain side featuring two members of their Euro 2024-winning squad in Alex Baena of Villarreal and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.

Spain went ahead just before the half-hour mark when Sergio Gomez’s free-kick was helped on by Abel Ruiz to the back post where Marc Pubill turned the ball in.

However, Uzbekistan had chances and drew level from the penalty spot in first-half added time.

Pau Cubarsi was penalised for a foul in the box following a VAR review, and Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov, the Roma forward, converted the penalty.

Cubarsi, the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy, had been booked early in the game and did not reappear for the second half.

Spain got a penalty of their own for a foul on Aimar Oroz, but Gomez’s kick was saved by goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov.

However, Gomez made up for that by grabbing what proved to be the winner just after the hour mark.

Juan Miranda cut the ball back from the byline for Gomez — who has just joined Real Sociedad from Manchester City — to fire in.

Spain are in Group C with Egypt and the Dominican Republic.

The pick of Wednesday’s later games will see hosts France face the United States in Marseille in Group A, with Thierry Henry’s team hoping to win a medal despite failing in their attempts to enrol the services of Kylian Mbappe.

AFP

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