The first round of Tokyo Olympics men’s football got underway, and there were some exciting actions on matchday 1. Brazil thrashed Germany in Group A fixture as Everton star Richarlison shone with a hat-trick. Meanwhile, the 2008 Olympic gold medal winners Argentina were stunned by Australia. Here is a run-down of the entire results from matchday 1 of the group stage.
Group A
Japan 1-0 South Africa
Hosts, Japan got off to a winning start after defeating South Africa, with Real Madrid prospect Takefusa Kubo scoring the winner in the second half.
Mexico 4-1 France
France suffered a heavy defeat in the hands of the 2012 gold medal winners Mexico, who had complete control of the half from the very beginning. Perhaps, it was a drab performance from the French U-23 side.
Group B
New Zealand 1 – 0 South Korea
Chris Wood’s early strike helped New Zealand get off to a winning start.
Honduras 0 – 1 Romania
Elvin Oliva’s own goal in the added minutes of the first half allowed Romania to pick up a hard-fought win against Honduras.
Group C
Egypt 0 – 0 Spain.
The meeting between Spain and Egypt ended in a stalemate as both failed to find the nets, although the former dominated the possession.
Argentina 0 – 2 Australia
Australia left behind 10-man Argentina with a stunning victory, with Lachlan Wales and Marco Tilio finding the nets. Tilio, 19, played a key role behind Melbourne City winning the A-League title.
Group D
Cote d’ Ivoire 2 – 1 Saudi Arabia
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie inspired Ivory Coast to a 2-1 win against Saudi Arabians after scoring the winner in the second half.
Brazil 4 – 2 Germany
Probably the most entertaining match of the entire day, Brazil emerged victorious against Germany in a six-goal thriller. Everton forward Richarlison rose to the occasion with a stunning hat-trick in the first half. Die Mannschaft showed their fighting spirit by pulling back two in the second half, but Brazilians managed to extinguish the threat.
