Cunha reaches Olympic quarters, Tousart out along with Germany

For three players at the club, the time at the Olympics has come to an end. Meanwhile, the quarterfinals await for Matheus Cunha. Arne Maier and Jordan Torunarigha started for Germany in their final group stage game on Wednesday morning. Stefan Kuntz’s side needed a win against Ivory Coast in Miyagi in order to remain in the competition. Germany started well, with Ragnar Ache hitting the crossbar in the 26th minute. After the half-time break, Kuntz brought on Eduard Löwen (on loan at Bochum) for Maximilian Arnold. In the 67th minute, Ivory Coast opened the scoring as Benjamin Henrichs was unlucky to redirect it into his own net. Löwen then netted a direct free-kick to level the scores (73’). Germany were unable to score another, as Ivory Coast held on for a draw. Maier featured for 79 minutes in the tie, with Torunarigha playing the full 90 minutes as Germany bowed out of the Olympics.

Cunha scores for Brazil

In further Group D action, Matheus Cunha started for Brazil against Saudia Arabia. Our striker opened the scoring in the 14th minute, before Saudi Arabia netted the equaliser in the 27th through a header from Abdulelah Al-Amri. In the end, it was Richarlison who would turn the game in Brazil’s favour, sweeping home a rebound in the 76th minute. He would add another in added time to secure a 3-1 win for Brazil (90’+3). Cunha was taken off after 84 minutes as his side are through to the quarterfinals.  

Tousart and France eliminated

This afternoon, Lucas Tousart and France were also in action, looking to join Brazil & co. in the quarterfinals. After opening the tournament with a 4-1 defeat to Mexico, France then won 4-3 against South Africa in dramatic fashion. Tousart started both these games and was also present for the full 90 minutes against Japan. Unfortunately for ‘Les Bleus’ their Olympic journey also came to an end. Goals from Japan’s Takefusa Kubo and Hiroki Sakai sent France into the break two goals behind, before another pair of Japan goals through Koji Miyoshi (70’) and Daizen Maeda (90+1’) either side of Randal Kolo Mouani’s red card (74’’) succumbed ten-man France to a 4-0 defeat.

For the one remaining Hertha player at the tournament, the Olympic dream continues on Saturday afternoon (31/07/21). Matheus Cunha and Brazil take on Egypt at 12:00 CEST.