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:
Tokyo Olympics: Rory McIlroy ready to tee off for prize he’s never dreamed of
Rory McIlroy would definitely win a gold medal for honesty but would probably come bottom of the leaderboard in a poll of favourite Olympians by Tokyo organisers.
McIlroy prepares to start his Olympic golf campaign at Kasumigaseki Country Club admitting he still remains torn about whether he should even be here.
To be fair to the world number 13, he is only being consistent, he’s always questioned golf’s place at the Games and to suddenly become its biggest cheerleader on arrival would not have been true to form.
“I never dreamed of winning the Olympics,” he said. “I dreamed of Claret Jugs, green jackets and the Ryder Cup. I guess you never know what a gold medal would mean until you’ve actually got one.
“It’s just hard one to put into words, it wasn’t an option for you growing up and dreaming about it. I could articulate it a little better if I was in possession of one.”
Rory McIlroy ready to tee off for Olympic prize he’s never dreamed of
The golf tournament at Kasumigaseki Country Club begins on Thursday
Tokyo Olympics: When is Helen Glover competing tomorrow?
Great Britain’s Helen Glover is bidding to make history as she goes for a third Olympic Games gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Glover has returned from retirement to aim for a third consecutive title in the women’s coxless pairs, this time alongside a new partner in Polly Swann.
The pair qualified through to the final as the third fastest duo from Wednesday’s semi-finals.
Click here for the full schedule of tomorrow’s rowing action:
When is Helen Glover rowing at Olympics?
Helen Glover is looking to win her third consecutive gold medal alongside partner Polly Swann
Tokyo Olympics: Fiji break into song after claiming sevens gold
One of the great images of today’s actions was Fiji’s celebrations after defeating New Zealand to defend their Olympic gold medal.
The players came together after the final whistle to give their collective thanks after winning the title for the second time, before the team broke into song on the podium upon receiving their medals.
Fiji’s play throughout the tournament had been fantastic and they certainly know how to celebrate too.
Tokyo Olympics: Murray ‘crushed’ as he contemplates Olympic future
Andy Murray said he felt “crushed” as he contemplated the end of his Olympic journey after defeat in the quarter-finals of the men’s doubles alongside Joe Salisbury in Tokyo.
The pair had high hopes of a medal after two strong performances and led Croatian duo Marin Cilic and Ivan Dodig by a set and a break with a point for 5-3 only to lose 4-6 7-6 (2) 10-7.
Both men looked devastated and, after allowing the dust to settle, Murray took to Twitter to express his disappointment and pride.
“I feel crushed after today’s loss, sport can be brutal,” said Murray. “Thanks so much Joe Salisbury for the opportunity to play. You were brilliant. I wish it could have gone a little better but s*** happens.”
Andy Murray ‘crushed’ as he contemplates end of Olympic journey
Murray and partner Joe Salisbury were knocked out of the men’s doubles on Wednesday
Report: Daiki Hashimoto delivers more joy for Japan with gymnastics all-around gold
This was yet another iconic moment in what is turning into a joyous Games for Japan, in sporting terms at least. The 19-year-old Hashimoto secured his nation’s third successive all-around Olympic men’s title, and he did so with a thrilling final flourish.
An absorbing night came down to the final apparatus: a high-bar shootout between Russia’s reigning world champion Nikita Nagornyy, China’s experienced Xiao Ruoteng and the young man who surprised them to top qualifying, Hashimoto.
Lawrence Ostlere reports from Tokyo:
More Olympic joy for Japan as teenager Hashimoto wins all-around gold
An absorbing night came down to the final apparatus and a high-bar shootout, where the teenage Hashimoto’s gamble paid off as he overcame Russian favourite Nikita Nagornyy and China’s Xiao Ruoteng
Tokyo Olympics: Fraser and Hall ‘over the moon’ by top 10 finishes
Joe Fraser and James Hall were in good spirits after sealing top 10 finishes in the men’s individual all-around final. Hall (8th) placed highest in thrilling final won by Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto, while Fraser battled to 9th despite making a couple of mistakes on his early rotations. A sublime performance on the horizontal bar secured the top 10 spot.
Speaking to the BBC, Fraser said: “I made a few mistakes along the way, that’s gymnastics, mistakes happen and I take it on the chin and try to improve moving into the next apparatus. I tried to put on a show on high bar so to get through that routine was great, it’s the first time I’ve done that routine in a competition. So to do it on the biggest stage in the world I’m very happy with that.”
Hall added: “Over the moon and after the last year the uncertainty and not knowing what will happen or where my gymnastics is at. It’s refreshing to break into that top eight again - I’m speechless. Credit to Joe, he had a couple of mistakes and wasn’t far behind me so that is refreshing to see, he is the future.”
Tokyo Olympics: Latvia win first men’s 3x3 basketball final!
It’s a historic gold for Latvia, and their first medal of this year’s Games!
They defeat the ROC 21-18 in a gripping final - sealed by a huge two-pointer from Karlis Lasmanis to win the gold.
Tokyo Olympics: Men’s 3x3 basketball final going to the wire!
With 3:30 on the clock, it’s tied 13-13 between the ROC and Latvia in the inaugural men’s 3x3 basketball final.
With the sport making its debut at the Olympics, many fans will be watching it for the first time, but there’s a lot to like. It’s fast-paced, dynamic and exciting - especially in a close contest like this one.
Tokyo Olympics: GB Sevens players hit out after lack of funding
Dan Bibby hit out at the lack of funding in GB rugby sevens after the team missed out on a bronze medal following defeat to Argentina.
Bibby and his team-mates have faced an uncertain 12 months with doubts over the future of their contracts with the respective rugby unions, and their journey to Tokyo was only made possible by lottery funding.
“We tried to showcase ourselves as much as we could and show how exciting sevens is,” Bibby said. “Unless the unions pull their fingers out, it is not going to be exciting much longer. Off little funding, we can do that. Imagine what can do with proper funding.
“If you look at who has done well in this tournament – New Zealand, Argentina and Fiji have had full programmes the entire time. You cannot compete on this level unless it is properly funded. I can only do what I can on the pitch. Everything else is up to the unions.”
Looking post-Tokyo, Bibby added: “Being brutally honest, it’s a joke. We have been offered eight contracts. Eight contracts is ridiculous. You are asking us to play against a team like New Zealand with eight boys on not much more than minimum wage. It’s impossible.”
Team GB sevens captain criticises lack of funding as men miss out on Olympic medal
‘You’re asking us to play a team like New Zealand with eight boys on not much more than minimum wage’
Tokyo Olympics: Charlotte Dujardin ‘mindblown’ by GB record
Charlotte Dujardin speaking to BBC Sport after winning bronze in the individual dressage: “I can’t quite believe it. I had quite a steep peak to come in here being the double gold Olympic champion after London and Rio and the aim was to stay in the medals.
“That was actually a brand new freestyle. That was the first time I’ve ever ridden to it tonight and he [Gio] gave everything. I’m so proud of him.
“Bringing a horse with so little experience is like stepping into the unknown. But over the last few days he could have done so more. The fact I’ve got two more medals. I can cry, it just means so much.
On becoming the most decorated female British Olympic of all time: “It’s absolutely mind-blowing. I’m a bit speechless. There are so many sportswomen who have achieved so much, and to think I’ve topped it. It’s surreal and you only dream of these things happening so I can’t believe it.
“There is so much more to come.”
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