In the semi-finals of the 2024 Olympic men’s football event, Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez shone with 1 goal and 1 assist to help the Spanish Olympic team come from behind to defeat the Moroccan Olympic team 2-1.
Starting lineup:
Morocco Olympics: El Kajoui, Hakimi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi, El Ouahdi, Targhalline, Richardson, Akhomach, Ben Seghir, Ezzalzouli, Rahimi.
Spanish Olympics: Tenas, Pubill, Cubarsi, Garcia, Miranda, Barrios, Baena, Oroz, Fermin Lopez, Gomez, Ruiz.
Scored: Rahimi (37′ pen) – Fermin Lopez (65′), Juanlu Sanchez (85′).
Spain Olympic team struggled against Morocco Olympic team (right) in the first half. Photo: Getty.
Despite being underestimated, Olympic Morocco entered the match very confidently against Olympic Spain. In the first 10 minutes of the match, Soufiane Rahimi had 2 chances to shoot in the penalty area but failed.
Despite having more possession, the Spanish Olympic team still had a lot of trouble against the tight defense of the Moroccan Olympic team. In the 21st minute, Fermin Lopez dribbled through the middle and suddenly fired a long-range shot that forced goalkeeper Munir El Kajoui to dive to block.
In the following period, Olympic Spain continued to pressure Olympic Morocco. In the 30th minute, Pablo Barrios made a delicate pass for Fermin Lopez to enter the penalty area and then finished wide of goalkeeper El Kajoui’s goal.
Morocco’s Olympic team celebrates after Rahimi scores. Photo: Getty.
In the 33rd minute, Pablo Barrios fouled Amir Richardson in the penalty area. After consulting VAR, referee Ilgiz Tantashev pointed to the penalty spot. On the 11m mark, Soufiane Rahimi easily fooled goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, opening the score for Olympic Morocco.
Conceding a goal early, the Spanish Olympic team was forced to increase the pressure in search of an equalizer. However, “La Roja” was unable to penetrate goalkeeper El Kajoui’s net. The most regrettable thing was Alex Baena’s shot hitting the post in the 45+8 minute.
In the second half, Spain continued to attack. In the 54th minute, Pablo Barrios launched a powerful long-range shot but could not defeat the excellent goalkeeper El Kajoui.
The joy of the Spanish Olympic team after Lopez equalized. Photo: Getty.
In the 65th minute, Morocco Olympic defender Zakaria El Ouahdi did not handle the ball well in the penalty area, allowing Fermin Lopez to score past goalkeeper El Kajoui, equalizing 1-1 for Spain Olympic.
After being equalized by their opponents, Olympic Morocco no longer huddled in their own half to defend. Instead, they began to push their formation higher. However, before they could score another goal, the African team conceded a second goal in the 85th minute. Fermin Lopez was the one who created the opportunity for Juanlu Sanchez to score, sealing a 2-1 comeback victory for Olympic Spain.
This victory helps the Spanish Olympic team qualify for the gold medal match in the men’s football event of the 2024 Olympics against the winner of the match between the French Olympic team and the Egyptian Olympic team. The Moroccan Olympic team will play the bronze medal match against the loser of the other semi-final.