Spain vs Argentina LIVE: Tokyo 2020 result, final score and reaction from Olympics fixture
The final group stage match will determine which nations progress to the knockouts and aim for the gold medal
Spain face Argentina in the men’s football at the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday, with both nations needing a positive result to ensure they continue their journey in Japan.
The Europeans have so far won and drawn, but despite dominating long stretches of their matches they have been unable to click in attack, scoring just once so far - they are top of the group heading into the final 90 minutes, and need just a draw to guarantee a top-two finish. Argentina have it slightly more difficult, after defeat to Australia earlier in the group stage. They did recover to beat Egypt, but the lay of the group means they have to win this match to go through - anything less and they will be out, regardless of the result from the other match.
The race for medals looks set to be a tight one and there have already been plenty of surprise results - but to even have a chance at success, a big performance from both sides is required here.
Follow the latest updates from Spain vs Argentina and all the big news at Tokyo 2020 below:
Fiji 27-12 New Zealand
The Fjian players fall to their knees, pounding the floor as the emotion again comes. Floods of tears at Tokyo Stadium - they’ve done it again! The people of Fiji might have another National Holiday to celebrate tomorrow - back-to-back Olympic champions.
That was a properly physical final, but it always felt like Fiji’s star-studded bench would make a telling impact Semi Radradra wasn’t even on it!. Substitues Aminiasi Tuimaba, Asaeli Tuivuaka and Vilimoni Botitu made the difference with their power and calm heads. Tuimaba’s collision with Andrew Knewstubb in the build-up to that final try - that’s registered on the Richter Scale!
PENALTY! FIJI 27-12 New Zealand
Into touch and Fiji will have the lineout! New Zealand can’t advance the ball with their final possession and Fiji win a penalty from the lineout.
They’ll waste the remaining seconds and have a final shot at goal, a very rare sight in sevens. A drop-goal, for back-to-back gold medals and glory.
IT’S THERE! FIJI ARE TWO-TIME OLYMPIC RUGBY SEVENS CHAMPIONS!
TRY! FIJI 24-12 New Zealand (Asaeli Tuivuaka, 2 minutes left)
Could that seal it? It’s a great break from Tuimaba to spark it on the left, leaving Andrew Knewstubb flat on his back as he charges through the New Zealander, and Fiji play with patience inside the New Zealand 22, waiting for an opening. Jerry Tuwai picks up an offfload from Vilimoni Botitu and bides his time perfectly, drawing the last defender to put Tuivuaka away, who, true to type, considers inflicting some damage with unnecessary contact, but instead just dots down in the corner.
Fiji 19-12 New Zealand, 3 minutes left
Regan Ware loses it! A brilliant attack from New Zealand down the left and the flying Ware looks to dart inside last man Jerry Tuwai. Tuwai’s possibly the best defender ever in sevens, though, and has him well-handled, and Ware knocks on inside the Fiji 22.
Fiji 19-12 New Zealand, 4 minutes left
Was that the right option? Aminiasi Tuimaba is dynamite in the open field but drops the ball to his foot here, and though he tumbles in protest, Dylan Collier has done nothing wrong in standing his ground. Tuimaba’s kicks rolls dead, harmlessly.
Fiji 19-12 New Zealand, 5 minutes left
Superb from Fiji! They nick the lineout and switch the field in a blink of an eye with fabulously adventurous offloading. To the edge of New Zealand’s 22, and the All Black Sevens cynically come in at the side. Penalty to Fiji.
Fiji 19-12 New Zealand, 6 minutes left
New Zealand win the kick-off after a fine restart drill. They play with continuity, but are unable to mae a telling burst. Regan Ware goes closest but is snared by the shorts, but in the next phase Fiji are ruled to have made a high tackle.
Asaeli Tuivuaka is sent for to add a bit more defensive punch. He’s a proper heavyweight hitter. Ngarohi McGarvey-Black comes on for New Zealand, who kick towards the corner.
Fiji 19-12 New Zealand
Outstanding game so far at Tokyo Stadium. A couple of half-time changes - looks like Vilimoni Botitu is out there for Fiji. Seven minutes left to decide the gold.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments