“Paris 2024 Olympics: Argentina Triumphs 3-1 Over Iraq, Spain Defeats Dominican Republic”

On Saturday, Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Iraq in Lyon, while Spain defeated the Dominican Republic 3-1 in Bordeaux, marking the second matchday of the men’s Olympic football tournament.

Argentina, having suffered a chaotic opening loss to Morocco, bounced back with a crucial win, moving to the top of Group B on goal difference and improving their chances of advancing to the next round.

Spain, with their second win in Group C, ensured a quarter-final spot despite a valiant effort from the Dominican Republic. The debutants scored their first-ever Olympic goal but were ultimately outclassed by the Spanish side, which netted twice in the second half.

In the Argentina vs. Iraq match, Argentina took the lead in the 14th minute when Thiago Almada volleyed in a goal following a setup by Julian Alvarez. Iraq captain Aymen Hussein equalized just before halftime with a brilliant header. However, substitute Luciano Gondou regained Argentina’s lead with a close-range finish, and Ezequiel Fernandez secured the win with a superb strike six minutes from time.

Spain dominated their match from the start, going ahead in the 24th minute when Fermin Lopez capitalized on a poor clearance by the Dominican goalkeeper. The Dominican Republic’s Angel Montes de Oca equalized with a towering header in the 38th minute, but their hopes took a blow when Edison Azcona was shown a red card for a foul on Pau Cubarsi. Spain’s Alejandro Baena restored the lead with a long-range strike that deflected off a defender, and Miguel Gutierrez’s tap-in into an empty goal sealed the victory.

Later on Saturday, hosts France, Israel, Japan, and the United States will be in action.