Sports
Argentina, Spain secure wins in Men's Olympic Soccer tournament
Hosts France, Israel, Japan, and the United States were set to compete later on Saturday
Lyon/Bordeaux: Argentina triumphed with a 3-1 victory over Iraq in Lyon, while Spain dominated the Dominican Republic 3-1 in Bordeaux during the second matchday of the men's Olympic soccer tournament on Saturday.
Argentina, recovering from their chaotic opening loss to Morocco, boosted their chances of advancing to the next round by going top of Group B on goal difference.
The Dominican Republic, making their debut in the tournament, scored their first Olympic goal but couldn't prevent Spain from securing a quarter-final spot with their second win in Group C.
Argentina struck first after 14 minutes, with Thiago Almada volleying in after a setup from Julian Alvarez. Iraq captain Aymen Hussein equalized just before halftime with a brilliant header. Substitute Luciano Gondou restored Argentina's lead with a close-range finish, and Ezequiel Fernandez's superb strike six minutes from time secured the win for the 2004 and 2008 gold medallists.
Spain took control early in their match and went ahead in the 24th minute when Fermin Lopez capitalized on a poor clearance by the Dominican goalkeeper. Angel Montes de Oca equalized with a powerful header from a corner in the 38th minute.
However, the Dominicans' hopes were dashed when Edison Azcona received a red card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi. Alejandro Baena restored Spain's lead with a deflected long-range strike, and Miguel Gutierrez sealed the victory with a tap-in into an empty net.
Hosts France, Israel, Japan, and the United States were set to compete later on Saturday.