Mixed feelings after Olympic openers

Lucas Tousart and France opened the Olympic football tournament in Tokyo against Mexico. After an evenly-matched first half, Mexico dominate after the change of ends and stunned Les Bleus with two quick goals (47’, 54’). André-Pierre Gignac cut the lead to 2-1, but Mexico continued to make the most of the space and chances afforded to them. Uriel Antuna and Eduardo Aguirre then also got on the scoresheet for Mexico (3-1 80’, 4-1 90’). “We had all expected more from our first game. Now, we will have to put this defeat behind us as quickly as possible in order to show what we’re capable of,” said Tousart, who featured for 60 minutes. On Sunday (25/07/2021, 10:00 CEST), France will face South Africa in their second group stage game.

Blue-White battle

Arne Maier and Matheus Cunha both started for their respective countries as Germany and Brazil opened their tournament campaigns. Germany struggled to find their way into the game, against an aggressive and strong Brazilian side. Richarlison’s first-half hat-trick (6’, 21’, 29’) put the South Americans on course for victory early on. Cunha, who set up the goal to make it 3-0, also had a chance to get on the scoresheet but his penalty just before the break was saved by Florian Müller. Jordan Torunarigha was subbed on for the second half, as Nadiem Amiri put Germany on the board in the 57th minute. Germany were then dealt another blow as Maximilian Arnold was sent off for a second yellow, but fought courageously to turn the game around. Ragnar Ache’s header put Germany within one (3-2 83’), but Brazil were able to maintain their lead, even adding a fourth through Paulinho in added time.

“Of course it doesn’t feel good to start the tournament with a defeat. We didn’t play well during the first half, and did better after the break, but it just wasn’t enough in the end. We want to and need to win against Saudi Arabia,” said Torunarigha. Germany will continue their group stage games on Sunday (25/07/2021, 13:30 CEST), with Cunha and Brazil already in action earlier that same day against Côte d'Ivoire (10:30 CEST).