Fermin Lopez netted two goals as Spain triumphed over Japan with a score of 3-0 in Lyon, advancing to the Olympic men’s football semi-finals.
The 21-year-old midfielder from Barcelona, a member of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team, opened the scoring early with a left-footed shot into the right corner and added his second with a stunning dipping right-foot shot from 20 yards out in the second half.
Mao Hosoya, who struck the post for Japan, believed he had equalised late in the first half, but his goal was disallowed for offside after a lengthy video assistant referee check.
A late tap-in from Abel Ruiz secured the victory for the European side, setting them up for a match against Morocco in Marseille on Monday at 17:00 BST.
Morocco dominated the game at Parc des Princes, crushing the United States 4-0 to reach the semi-finals for the first time in competition history.
Soufiane Rahimi set the tone with a penalty goal right before the half-hour mark, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.
Ilias Akhomach increased their lead with a shot from close range, while captain Achraf Hakimi extended the advantage with a precise left-footed shot after a brilliant run.
Substitute Mehdi Maouhoub capped off the scoring with another penalty in stoppage time, awarded after a VAR review confirmed a handball.
“It felt like home playing in this stadium, where I represent my club, but our fans made it special with their overwhelming support,” said Hakimi, who plays for Paris St-Germain in France.
“The fans have been with us throughout the tournament, and I hope they will continue to support us all the way to the final. We want to make them proud.”
