Spain edges Uzbekistan 2-1 in a thrilling Paris Olympics soccer clash. © Twitter (@AmosMurphy_)
The Paris Olympics started with a highly anticipated soccer match at the Parc des Princes. Spain narrowly defeated Uzbekistan 2-1 in a game that delivered thrilling football and an unforgettable atmosphere. As the tournament’s first game, it set an exhilarating tone for the Olympic soccer competition.
Spain demonstrated its renowned technical skill and tactical intelligence from the outset, pressing hard and dictating the play. The first goal came from close range in the 29th minute, thanks to a strike from Spain’s right-back Marc Pubill. The goal was a testament to Spain’s attacking precision and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, which impressed the audience.
Uzbekistan, despite trailing, displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Their passionate fans, undeterred by the early setback, created a vibrant atmosphere that reverberated throughout the Parc des Princes. The Uzbek supporters, clad in their national colors and waving flags, were an ever-present force, with rhythmic drumming and energetic chants that kept the crowd buzzing, inspiring the audience with their never-say-die spirit.
Just before halftime, Uzbekistan’s captain Eldor Shomurodov stepped up to take a penalty, successfully converting it to level the score at 1-1. Shomurodov’s 41st international strike goal was met with wild celebrations from the Uzbek fans, who were energized by the equalizer. This moment was a testament to Shomurodov’s crucial role in the team and the unwavering support from his country’s supporters.
The second half began with both teams eager to take control. Spain continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Sergio Gomez scored a decisive goal following a penalty save by Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper, Abduvohid Nematov. Gomez’s low shot was well-placed and proved the match-winner, securing Spain’s victory despite Uzbekistan’s valiant efforts.
Throughout the match, the energy from the Uzbek fans was palpable. They embraced every moment, from chanting and dancing to clapping in unison, creating a carnival-like atmosphere reminiscent of the Viking Thunder Clap made famous by Icelandic fans at the 2016 European Championship. Their version of “Don’t Take Me Home,” accompanied by fast drumming, further demonstrated their creative and passionate support.
The match between Uzbekistan and Spain was not the only exciting event of the day. At Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium in Saint-Étienne, Argentina faced Morocco in another thrilling encounter. Morocco initially led 2-1, thanks to a brace from Soufiane Rahimi. However, the game took a dramatic turn when Cristian Medina for Argentina scored an equalizer, only to have it controversially disallowed by VAR for offside. The decision led to a significant disruption, with protests and a temporary match suspension, intensifying the drama of the day’s footballing events.
On the opening day of the Paris Olympics, they offered a glimpse of the excitement and drama in the soccer tournament. With high-quality football and passionate fan support, the stage is set for a memorable competition. As the game progresses, fans can look forward to more thrilling matches and captivating stories, adding to the excitement of the Games.
Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | USA | 39 | 41 | 33 | 113 |
2 | CHN | 38 | 32 | 18 | 88 |
3 | JPN | 27 | 14 | 17 | 58 |
4 | GBR | 22 | 21 | 22 | 65 |
5 | ROC | 20 | 28 | 23 | 71 |
6 | AUS | 17 | 7 | 22 | 46 |
7 | NED | 10 | 12 | 14 | 36 |
8 | FRA | 10 | 12 | 11 | 33 |
9 | GER | 10 | 11 | 16 | 37 |
10 | ITA | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 |
11 | CAN | 7 | 6 | 11 | 24 |
12 | BRA | 7 | 6 | 8 | 21 |
13 | NZL | 7 | 6 | 7 | 20 |
14 | CUB | 7 | 3 | 5 | 15 |
15 | HUN | 6 | 7 | 7 | 20 |
16 | KOR | 6 | 4 | 10 | 20 |
17 | POL | 4 | 5 | 5 | 14 |
18 | CZE | 4 | 4 | 3 | 11 |
19 | KEN | 4 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
20 | NOR | 4 | 2 | 2 | 8 |
21 | JAM | 4 | 1 | 4 | 9 |
22 | ESP | 3 | 8 | 6 | 17 |
23 | SWE | 3 | 6 | 0 | 9 |
24 | SUI | 3 | 4 | 6 | 13 |
25 | DEN | 3 | 4 | 4 | 11 |
26 | CRO | 3 | 3 | 2 | 8 |
27 | IRI | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
28 | SRB | 3 | 1 | 5 | 9 |
29 | BEL | 3 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
30 | BUL | 3 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
31 | SLO | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
32 | UZB | 3 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
33 | GEO | 2 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
34 | TPE | 2 | 4 | 6 | 12 |
35 | TUR | 2 | 2 | 9 | 13 |
36 | GRE | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
36 | UGA | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
38 | ECU | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
39 | IRL | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
39 | ISR | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
41 | QAT | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
42 | BAH | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
42 | KOS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
44 | UKR | 1 | 6 | 12 | 19 |
45 | BLR | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
46 | ROU | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
46 | VEN | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 |
48 | IND | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
49 | HKG | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
50 | PHI | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
50 | SVK | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
52 | RSA | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
53 | AUT | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
54 | EGY | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
55 | INA | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
56 | ETH | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
56 | POR | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
58 | TUN | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
59 | EST | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
59 | FIJ | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
59 | LAT | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
59 | THA | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
63 | BER | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
63 | MAR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
63 | PUR | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
66 | COL | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
67 | AZE | 0 | 3 | 4 | 7 |
68 | DOM | 0 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
69 | ARM | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
70 | KGZ | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
71 | MGL | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
72 | ARG | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
72 | SMR | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
74 | JOR | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
74 | MAS | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
74 | NGR | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
77 | BRN | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
77 | LTU | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
77 | NAM | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
77 | MKD | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
77 | KSA | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
77 | TKM | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
83 | KAZ | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 |
84 | MEX | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
85 | FIN | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
86 | BOT | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | BUR | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | GHA | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | GRN | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | IVO | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | KUW | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | MLT | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | MAR | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
86 | SUD | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |