Spain Crushes Japan 3-0 to Reach Olympic Semi-Finals on Fermin Lopez’s Double
Paris, France- August 3, 2024: Spain dominated Japan 3-0 in a thrilling Olympic quarter-final match in Lyon, France, securing their place in the semi-finals. Barcelona’s rising star Fermin Lopez emerged as the hero with a magnificent double, while a controversial VAR decision swung the momentum in Spain’s favor.
Barcelona youngster Fermin, who played a part in Spain winning UEFA Euro 2024, struck with a stunning strike in each half of Friday’s quarter-final in Lyon.
After beating Leo Kokub’s desperation dive with a long-range left-footed effort in the 11th minute, Fermin took center stage again midway through the second half when he curled in an expertly controlled volley after knocking the ball onto his chest.
Things could have been very different if Japan’s first-half equalizer had stood.
Mao Hosoya brilliantly spun Pau Cubarsi to arrow home but the goal was disallowed as the striker’s right foot was millimeters offside as he tackled the Spanish centre-back.
Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas later denied Hosoya. However, La Roja added gloss to an ultimately convincing victory when captain Abel Ruiz poked in from close range after Japan failed to clear their lines from set-pieces.
Kota Takai hit the crossbar in Japan’s last-gasp attempt and Spain will now prepare for semi-finals clash with Morocco.
