Late Oyarzabal header gives Spain crucial victory and blows Group C wide open

Spain looked like they were in for another frustrating afternoon in front of goal, when Oyarzabal emerged with a game-winning header just ten minutes from time. He glanced home a fine Marco Asensio cross to make it 1-0 on the day and take his side from third to first in Group C at the Tokyo Olympics.

Australia probably enjoyed their most successful spell in the opening minutes, before the Spaniards predicatably took control of the match. Barcelona's Pedri - who has now started over sixty matches this season - threatened first, but couldn't place his shot either side of goalkeeper Glover. Eventual goalscorer Oyarzabal then went closest after he rattled the crossbar from close range. 

Puado attempted an audacious back-heel volley, Soler hit the side netting before Puado missed again from close range just seconds before half time, leaving Spain easily the more frustrated out of the two sides at the break. For Australia, their defensive game plan appeared to be working a treat.

They nearly went one better in the second half as the Socceroos suddenly found themselves four-on-four on the edge of Spain's box, but Genreau couldn't take advantage of the opportunity that came his way. Changes came pouring in for both teams after the hour mark, and La Roja looked to benefit from the injection of fresh legs.

Bryan Gil in particular looked lively, setting up Pedri in another move that ended with the midfielder firing into the goalkeeper's gloves. Just four minutes after that opportunity was squandered, though, the deadlock was finally broken.

The goal started with another substitute, Marco Asensio, who received the ball out right before cutting inside on his left. He whipped a delightful cross into the box, finding Oyarzabal who glanced a fine header across goal. Players and bench alike erupted in celebration, demonstrating just how important the strike was in an Olympics campaign that is proving tougher than expected for the Spaniards.

La Roja now sit top of Group C on four points, with Australia and Argentina just behind in second and third respectively, both on three points. Egypt sit bottom with one, but could stil qualify with a win over Australia on the final day. Spain will battle it out with an Argentina side who need to win in order to ensure their qualification to the next round, meaning yet another tough test is coming Spain's way.

 

July 25, 2021