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:
TRY! Fiji 19-12 NEW ZEALAND (Sione Molia)
They do! A knock-on from Fiji just as they seemed set to win the ball back and it breaks into the hands of Sione Molia, who brushes off a couple of tacklers from his chest, Fiji going too high on the big man, and Molia points to the sky as he grounds beneath the posts. Converted - a crucial score from Molia, who is completing a maths degree. Impressive on and off the field.
Fiji 19-5 New Zealand, 7 minutes left
The half-time hooter goes as New Zealand win back-to-back penalties, and then another as Fiji are offside. Into the red New Zealand play - you’d think they have to score before half-time...
TRY! FIJI 19-5 New Zealand (Jiuta Wainiqolo, 8 minutes left)
It’s Fiji’s new stars who are doing the business! Jiuta Wainiqolo that is naughty!
The tall flyer backs his speed as he races to the outside of two All Blacks Sevens defenders, burning one of them, but not Andrew Knewstubb on the angle.
“No bother”, says Wainiqolo, throwing Knewstubb from his thighs like an unwanted valance from a four-poster bed with a strong swivel of the hips. He trots beneath the posts and the conversion further extends Fiji’s lead.
TRY! Fiji 12-5 NEW ZEALAND (Scott Curry, 10 minutes left)
New Zealand needed that! Co-captain Scott Curry shows impressive turn of speed as he breaks through a gap on the right and out-paces the chasing Fijians. Conversion missed, but New Zealand on the board.
TRY! FIJI 12-0 New Zealand (Sireli Maqala, 11 and a half minutes left)
Try number two for Fiji! It’s a horrible moment for Andrew Knewstubb, chasing back into his in-goal but failing to handle the bobbling ball as he slides on to it to try and ground. It hops out of his grasp and Sireli Maqala is the first man on the scene to score. Everything Maqala is touching is turning to gold...
TRY! FIJI 5-0 New Zealand (Meli Derenelagi, 12 minutes left)
Fiji! Their defence has been elite in Tokyo, and it’s from it that this try is scored. They square up their men with line speed, Joe Webber coralled behind the line and the impressive youngster Sireli Maqala nicks the ball from him.
Fiji play wide to the right and it’s the long strides of Meli Derenalagi, who survives a tackle attempt to score in the corner.
Fiji 0-0 New Zealand, 13 minutes left
Top start from Fiji, winning the first aerial contest, and then there are cries for a penalty as a kick goes through and a chasing player is taken down. The timing is good, says referee Murphy. NZ lineout.
Fiji vs New Zealand: Anthems
Look at the emotion. There are tears pouring down Fijian faces as their national anthem is played, the bruising Asaeli Tuivuaku looking to the heavens as the liquid flows.
A few emotional faces among the New Zealand team, too. This should be very, very good. Fiji gather for a moment of unity before assembling themselves for kick-off. Australia’s Damon Murphy is the referee. Napolioni Bolaca will hoist high to get us underway in the battle for gold...
Tokyo Olympics: Brazil level with Saudi Arabia in men’s football
Saudi Arabia have drawn level with Brazil in the men’s football and it’s 1-1 at the break in the Group D decider.
Germany, who need to beat the Ivory Coast in their final group game to advance, are also being held 0-0 at half-time.
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