Football at the Olympics is off to a smashing start – what’s left to play for in the final group game?

Football at the 2024 Olympics is off to a smashing start, setting the stage for a dramatic final round of group matches. As the teams strive to reach the quarter-finals, several key storylines have emerged. The final group games will determine who advances, with every match holding significant stakes. Teams are battling not just for points but for their Olympics dreams, ensuring the upcoming fixtures will be packed with intensity and excitement.

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The French dominate in their own country

Two games into the 2024 Olympics football tournament, France has displayed dominance with a 3-0 victory over the United States and a 1-0 win against Guinea. Their defense is watertight and they rarely even look like conceding.
Key to their success are Michael Olise and Alexandre Lacazette, two of the most senior players in the tournament. Both have been instrumental in the team’s performance, consistently scoring and assisting. Their experience and skill have made them a formidable duo on the field, driving France’s campaign forward on home soil.

Carnage at Argentina vs. Morocco

Argentina and football just seem to spell controversy at the moment. Argentina’s Olympics football opener against Morocco ended in chaos on Wednesday. The game, held at Saint-Etienne’s Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, saw Soufiane Rahimi scoring twice to put Morocco ahead 2-0. Argentina’s Giuliano Simeone pulled one back in the 68th minute, setting up a tense finish. In the dying moments of a lengthy added time, Argentina’s Cristian Medina appeared to level the match with a header in the 106th minute, sparking celebrations among the players and fans.

The Paris 2024 Olympics football is underway!

Who do you think will bring the gold medal home? 🥇 pic.twitter.com/QDKkNTW3m7

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 24, 2024

However, the joy was short-lived as objects were thrown onto the pitch, and some Morocco supporters invaded the field. The players were taken off for their safety as the goal was reviewed by VAR for a possible offside. The match was subsequently delayed for nearly two hours as officials cleared the stadium. When play resumed behind closed doors, Medina’s goal was disallowed, and Morocco secured a 2-1 victory. Argentina coach Javier Mascherano described the chaotic scenes as “the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life.”

What’s to play for in the final Olympics group game?

Group A

1. France (FRA)

• Position: 1st
• Points: 6
• Goal Difference: +4
• Qualification Needs: France has already secured their place in the quarter-finals with two wins. They need to avoid a significant defeat in their final group game to ensure they top the group.

2. USA (USA)

• Position: 2nd
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: 0
• Qualification Needs: The USA needs a win in their final match to guarantee a spot in the quarter-finals. A draw might also be enough.

3. New Zealand (NZL)

• Position: 3rd
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: -2
• Qualification Needs: New Zealand must win their final match and hope the USA either loses or draws. If the USA draws, New Zealand needs to improve their goal difference significantly.

4. Guinea (GUI)

• Position: 4th
• Points: 0
• Goal Difference: -2
• Qualification Needs: Guinea needs to win their final match by a large margin and hope New Zealand lose and they beat the USA. They must also overturn the goal difference deficit.

Group B

1. Argentina (ARG)

• Position: 1st
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: +1
• Qualification Needs: Argentina needs a win or draw in their final match to secure a spot in the quarter-finals. A loss could see them eliminated if other results go against them due to the close points tally in the group.

2. Ukraine (UKR)

• Position: 2nd
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: 0
• Qualification Needs: Ukraine must win their final game to guarantee progression. A draw or loss would make their advancement dependent on other match results and goal differences.

3. Morocco (MAR)

• Position: 3rd
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: 0
• Qualification Needs: Morocco needs a win in their final match to ensure qualification. Like Ukraine, a draw or loss would mean they have to rely on other results.

4. Iraq (IRQ)

• Position: 4th
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: -1
• Qualification Needs: Iraq needs a victory in their final match to have a chance at advancing. They also need to improve their goal difference or hope for favorable outcomes in other games.

Group C

1. Spain (ESP)

• Position: 1st
• Points: 6
• Goal Difference: +3
• Qualification Needs: Spain has already qualified for the quarter-finals with two wins. They need at least a draw in their final match to ensure they finish top of the group.
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2. Egypt (EGY)

• Position: 2nd
• Points: 4
• Goal Difference: +1
• Qualification Needs: Egypt needs at least a draw to guarantee progression. A loss could see them overtaken if the Dominican Republic wins their final match by a significant margin.

3. Dominican Republic (DOM)

• Position: 3rd
• Points: 1
• Goal Difference: -2
• Qualification Needs: The Dominican Republic needs to win their final game and hope Egypt loses. They also need to overcome the goal difference deficit.

4. Uzbekistan (UZB)

• Position: 4th
• Points: 0
• Goal Difference: -2
• Qualification Needs: Uzbekistan is already eliminated from quarter-final contention, as they cannot reach the necessary points even with a win in their final match.

Group D

1. Japan (JPN)

• Position: 1st
• Points: 6
• Goal Difference: +6
• Qualification Needs: Japan has secured their place in the quarter-finals and is likely to top the group unless they lose their final match by a large margin.

2. Paraguay (PAR)

• Position: 2nd
• Points: 3
• Goal Difference: -3
• Qualification Needs: Paraguay needs a win in their final game to ensure progression.

3. Mali (MAL)

• Position: 3rd
• Points: 1
• Goal Difference: -1
• Qualification Needs: Mali needs to win their final match against Paraguay. They also need to improve their goal difference or rely on other match outcomes.

4. Israel (ISR)

• Position: 4th
• Points: 1
• Goal Difference: -2
• Qualification Needs: Israel needs to win their final game and hope for a draw in the other group match to advance. They also need to overcome the goal difference gap.

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By Nicky Helfgott – @NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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