Watch Uzbekistan U23 vs Spain U23 full match replay and highlight. This is a match of FIFA Olympic Football 2024, Group C Matchday 1.
Kick off: 13:00 GMT Wednesday Jul 24, 2024.
Referee: Beida Dahane, Mauritania.
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris.
Spain Edges Uzbekistan 2-1 in Thrilling Paris 2024 Olympic Opener
Spain began their Paris 2024 Olympic men’s football campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over debutants Uzbekistan at the Parc des Princes. Recovering from a goal down, La Roja showcased their resilience and skill, leaving them with only one defeat across their last six opening matches at the Olympic Games.
First Half: A Landmark Day for Uzbekistan
This match was historic for Uzbekistan, marking their first-ever Olympic appearance. Facing the prestigious opposition of Spain, fresh from their Euro 2024 triumph, was no small feat. Spain, featuring players like Álex Baena and Fermín López aiming for back-to-back winners’ medals, started strong. Baena’s early free-kick tested Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, but it was comfortably saved.
Uzbekistan, undaunted by their opponents’ reputation, nearly had a breakthrough when Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty appeal was turned down after a tussle with Spain’s Eric García. However, Spain eventually took the lead in the 29th minute. Marc Pubill scored the first goal of Paris 2024, converting a flicked-on set-piece by Abel Ruiz at the far post.
Equalizer and Second Half Surge
Uzbekistan fought back admirably, earning a penalty just before halftime. Pau Cubarsí’s foul on Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev gave Shomurodov the chance to equalize, which he did, sending Arnau Tenas the wrong way. The goal ignited jubilation among Uzbek supporters in the French capital.
Spain responded with renewed vigor in the second half. They earned a penalty after Aimar Oroz was brought down by Abbosbek Fayzullaev. However, Sergio Gómez’s attempt was saved dramatically by Nematov, who kept his team in the game with an impressive save. Redemption came quickly for Gómez, who scored a stunning first-time finish from Miranda’s pass just two minutes later, restoring Spain’s lead.
Final Moments and Next Matches
Shomurodov remained a threat for Uzbekistan, coming close with a left-footed strike that narrowly missed the target. Husniddin Aliqulov also had a near miss with a free-kick that flew inches over the bar. Despite these efforts, Spain held on for a vital three points.
Spain now looks forward to their second group match against the Dominican Republic in Bordeaux on Saturday. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan aims to regroup and bounce back against Egypt in Nantes on the same day.