JP-U23 vs SP-U23: Hosts Japan will face Spain in the second Semi-Finals of the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament. The match will take place at Saitama Stadium on August 3.
Hosts Japan faced New Zealand at the Ibaraki Kashima stadium for their Quarter-final clash. It was a tough time out in the middle for the two nations, as neither of the teams succeeded in getting their name up on the scoresheet in the first half.
Despite all attempts, the match ended nil-nil at full time, which forced the teams into Extra time. While failing to take a shot at Extra time, they were asked to try their luck in Penalties. The hosts took full advantage of the opportunity and stormed their way into the Semis with a 4-2 win.
Spain Under 23 on the other hand were involved in an even dramatic game against the Ivory Coast. With the match being tied at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes, Ivory Coast gained the lead during the added time, courtesy of Gradel. However, a hattrick by Mir and a goal by Oyarzabal helped Spain get a commanding 5-2 comeback win.
Spain will be looking to work hard to beat the hosts at their home nation and bag the ticket to the prestigious Finals.
Match Details
Match: Japan Under 23 vs Spain Under 23
Date & Time: 3rd August 2021, 4:30 PM IST
Venue: Saitama Stadium
JP-U23 vs SP-U23 Predicted Playing XI
Japan Under 23
Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida, Ko Itakura, Yuta Nakayama, Ao Tanaka, Wataru Endo, Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo, Koji Miyoshi, Daichi Hayashi, Kosei Tani(GK)
Spain Under 23
Marc Cucurella, Pau Torres, Eric Garcia, Bryan Gil, Pedri, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal, Rafa Mir, Unai Simon(GK)
JP-U23 vs SP-U23 Dream11 Team Prediction
Goalkeeper: Unai Simon
Defenders: Pau Torres, Eric Garcia, Maya Yoshida, Ko Itakura, Yuta Nakayama
Midfielders: Dani Olmo (vice-captain), Ritsu Doan, Takefusa Kubo
Strikers: Mikel Oyarzabal, Rafa Mir (captain)
