The first round of men’s football matches at the Paris 2024 Olympics got underway on Wednesday and there was more than enough drama to go around.
Eight games in total were played with a total of 22 goals being scored and only two draws being played out.
Read on for a round-up of all the action.
Group A
New Zealand took the spoils in the opening match of the tournament as they beat Guinea 2-1 at the Allianz Riviera.
Matthew Garbett opened the scoring 25 minutes in but the Kiwis were pegged back by Amadou Diawara just over 15 minutes from time.
However, Ben Waine was the hero as he replied just four minutes later, earning his side all three points.
In the other match in Group A, hosts France dismantled the US, winning 3-0.
Lacazette 🎯
Olise 🎯
France’s big names didn’t take long to make an impact at the Olympics. They beat USA 3-0.#Paris2024 #BBCOlympics pic.twitter.com/lKLkZJaLos
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 24, 2024
It was a masterclass from some familiar faces including Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise and Loic Bade, who all netted in the second half.
Despite having Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Paxten Aaronson and Walker Zimmerman in the squad, the US could do little to fend off the power of Les Bleus.
Group B
Group B’s clash between Argentina and Morocco saw a bizarre series of events unfold.
A brace from Soufiane Rahimi put the underdogs in the driving seat, before goals from Giovanni Simeone and Cristian Medina looked to have brought Argentina level.
But the match was suspended at 2-2 after crowd troubles put the players at risk and during the near one-hour stoppage, Argentina’s equaliser was chalked off for offside.
Play resumed for just three minutes after the issue with angry fans protesting Enzo Fernandez’ controversial chant in the aftermath of Copa America were dealt with, but it was Morocco who took the points.
Complete chaos during Morocco v Argentina at the Olympics 😳#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/cXEleGA7TX
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 24, 2024
Elsewhere, Iraq beat Ukraine 2-1 thanks to goals from Aymen Hussein and Ali Jasim.
Group C
Spain got off to a winning start in Group C, beating Uzbekistan 2-1.
Marc Pubill put La Roja in front before Eldor Shomurodov scored from the penalty spot just before half-time.
However, former Manchester City full-back Sergio Gomez netted the winner in the 62nd minute at the Parc des Princes, home of Paris Saint-Germain.
In the other match, Egypt and the Dominican Republic played out a 0-0 draw.
Each side managed 13 shots on goal, but only 6 in total found the target in what was a scrappy game.
A point was a fair result which means both nations still have a chance of progressing.
All the feels! The emotion is real! 🥹#Paris2024 | #Football pic.twitter.com/0cOsN09cv7
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) July 24, 2024
Group D
Japan asserted their dominance on Group D by beating Paraguay 5-0 at Stade Matmut-Atlantique.
Wilder Viera was sent off early for the losing side, making it very difficult for his team-mates to withstand the Japanese aggression.
Shunsuke Mito and Shota Fujio both scored a brace, while Rihito Yamamoto also got on the scoresheet.
Finally, Mali and Israel settled on a stalemate in Paris.
Hamidou Diallo looked to have given the initiative to Israel after he netted an own goal early in the second half, but the lead was short-lived.
Mali hit back through Cheick Doumbia less than 10 minutes later to split the points.
