Paris Olympic Games 2024 Football as it happened - Uzbekistan v Spain

Welcome to our live text coverage of Uzbekistan against Spain in the group stages of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games men's football tournament. The clash promises much, with a Spain team emboldened by their counterparts' Euro 2024 triumph earlier this summer. The Spanish squad features the likes of Barcelona young star Pau Cubarsi, along with his club team-mate Fermin Lopez.

Result: Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

And that's how it ends from Group C, Uzbekistan threw everything at Spain but the young favourites showed their own resolve by hanging on to get their campaign for gold off to a winning start. Match that, Egypt and Dominican Republic!

90+10' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

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So close! Uzbekistan have been masterful at creating space on the edge of the Spain penalty area but when they finally send in the cross, Aliqulov sends his header just wide.

90+8' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

No penalty... And Uzbekistan are in the last chance saloon.

90+7' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

VAR CHECK! It's for that corner where several Uzbeks hit the deck under pressure from opposition defenders.

90+5' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Not one, not two but three White Wolves went down as the corner swung in but the referee is unmoved. That's not the end of the danger though! The ball is lifted back into the box and Tenas can only tentatively punch clear, allowing Rakhmonaliev a shot at the keeper-less net that misses by just a yard!

90+3' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Spain easily cleared the corner but Uzbekistan are back again, as Bernade blocks Aliqulov but concedes another set-piece in the process.

90+1' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Eight added minutes and an Uzbekistan corner! Can we see a magic finish in the Parc des Princes?

89' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

So close! A deep cross from the left looked overhit but Khamraliev never gave up at the far post and was almost rewarded! He got his header on target but had no angle to work with and Tenas holds on.

87' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Fayzullaev remains the most threatening Uzbek on the left flank but Spain are holding on for now - just. Time is running out for the White Wolves but they're not undeserving of an equaliser.

86' Argentina 1-2 Morocco

In our other afternoon game, Morocco retain a one-goal lead over the world champions. They doubled their lead early in the second half as Rahimi doubled his goal tally for the tournament but Giuliano Simeone struck for Argentina with 20 minutes to go.

83' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Aliqulov was the man beaten by Gomez' could-be winner, but he so nearly made amends there, bending his free-kick towards the top corner but agonisingly high and wide.

81' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

It's that man again! The number seven is bundled over Adrian Bernabe who's only been on as a substitute for a few minues the shot is about 20 yards out in line with Tenas' right-hand post.

78' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

It's another chance for Uzbekistan! They've responded so positively in the last ten minutes or so and Fayzullaev once again beat Pubill on the right but just couldn't fashion a shot on goal for his teammates.

72' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Uzbekistan haven't just been brave and energetic and all the rest of the standard underdog tags, they've also been fantastically incisive with their passing and it almost nets a second equaliser there. Shomurodov chases after a pass in the channel between Spain's centre-half and right-back but his shot just drifts wide across goal.

69' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Uzbekistan must improve in midfield, they've been completely out of that battle for much of the second half.

66' Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Uzbekistan have lost their discipline somewhat since that second goal, imparting a string of fouls on their opponents. The latest is courtesy of Diyor Kholmatov - he picks up a yellow card after less than a minute on the field for the industrious Jaloliddinov while Asadbek Rakhimjonov has replaced Buriev.

Before the penalty was taken earlier, Khusayin Norchaev - Uzbekistan's top scorer from the 2024 U23 Asian Cup - came on for Urunov.

62' GOAL!!! Uzbekistan 1-2 Spain

Gomez makes no mistake that time though! It's the perfect response from Spain and their attacker, Uzbekistan were stretched to breaking point and Miranda pulled the ball back from the left to Gomez arriving late in the box, and his shot gets through the despairing dive of Husniddin Aliqulov with Nematov rooted to the spot.

60' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

SAVED!!! AND WHAT A SAVE IT IS!!! Gomez elected to take the penalty and stuck it down the middle, seemingly fooling Nematov who dived to his left. But the goalkeeper of the tournament at the recent U23 Asian Cup didn't over-commit to the left and stuck out his right leg to deny Gomez and keep his side's dreams alive.

58' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

Penalty to Spain! It's Oroz at the heart of it once again, he receives the ball heading towards the by-line and it's only slight contact from Fayzullaev but enough to send the Osasuna man sprawling and referee Beida has no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

54' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

It's been a more open game since half-time and that suits the Iberians, with their latest chance falling to Pubill 18 yards out but he can only curl a weak shot to Nematov.

51' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

Spain look revitalised in this second half, and not just because of the change at the back. Aimar Oroz was fairly anonymous in the first 45 minutes but has switched to the left flank and is instantly involved.

48' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

Uzbekistan are back at it, and Urunov emerging from a swirl of Spanish defenders with space to shoot... Straight at Tenas.

46' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

And with that change, the second half is underway! Don't forget it's live on discovery+, as is Argentina v Morocco which is also featured on Eurosport 1.

HT - Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

The first half didn't follow Santi Denia's script in the slightest and he's changing things, hauling off Cubarsi before he can earn a second yellow car with Real Sociedad's Jon Pacheco replacing him in defence.

HT - Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

Don't just take my word for it - the halftime stats bear out the equity on the pitch:

Shots: 4-4

Shots on target: 3-3

Free kicks conceded: 8-11

Possession: 43-57%

HT - Argentina 0-1 Morocco

It's a surprise result in our other opening game too, as Morocco lead through Soufiane Rahimi. A cagey game of few decent changes was blown open by a deft Ilias Akhomach backheel that set Bilal El Khannous free in enough space to produce a devastating cross that Rahimi couldn't miss from after connecting. Remember, it's live right now on Eurosport 1 and discovery+.

Half-time: Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

And eight minutes into four minutes of additional time, an entertaining first-half is over! It's all square and Uzbekistan have been the better team, Spain are arguably to still have 11 players on the field and ANYTHING could happen in the second half - stay tuned here and on discovery+!

45+5' Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

One of Uzbekistan's 10 Olympic golds is in taekwondo - won by Ulugbek Rashitov last time out - and Nematov may well have been taking lessons! He launches a flying kick at a dangerous bouncing ball outside his penalty area and it gets the job done.

45+3' GOAL!! Uzbekistan 1-1 Spain

AND THE UZBEK CROWD GO WILD!! Perfectly placed by Shomurodov, Tenas was oh-so-close to getting his paw to it but instead we're all level!

45+1' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

And he's given it!! Beida paused for dramatic effect before announcing the penalty decision for that second incident on Khamraliev, but Cubarsi remains on the field.

45' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

VAR check! Beida's been called over to the monitor and we know what that usually means, it could be double-trouble for Spain too with Cubarsi the potentially offender, already on a yellow card...

42' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

Another penalty shout, but once again Spain survive. They're truly lucky to be leading right now, as defenders Abdukodir Khusanov and Mukhammadkodir Khamraliev are both shoved to the floor on either side of the penalty area paint chasing a bouncing ball. VAR is in operation at these Olympics, it's Algeria's Lahlou Benbraham on the other end of the headset...

37' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

Tenas had to dive for it but it's a routine save for the PSG keeper. Jaloliddinov had no depth to work with so opted for a low shot that had plenty of power but not enough movement to really threaten.

36' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

PENALTY?!? No, free-kick but it's very very close. Pubill has been under pressure defensively since the goal and it shows there - Urunov beat him for pace bursting towards the penalty area and the goalscorer shoves him to ground within the D, earning a yellow card.

34' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

So close!!! It's an absolute peach of a pass from central defence to CSKA Moscow's Fayzullaev on the right flank, he controls it beautifully and buys time allowing Shomurodov to charge into the box, but Uzbekistan's record goalscorer just can't stretch to reach it.

32' Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

The White Wolves' heads haven't dropped though. Oston Urunov almost fashioned a corner after initially setting the goalscorer on his back foot.

29' GOAL! Uzbekistan 0-1 Spain

Talk about live-blogger's curse. Spain disguised a free-kick between Baena and Gomez with the latter's cross finding Abel Ruiz. He misses contact with his head but somehow flicks it to the back post where Marc Pubill is there to finish from point-blank range.

27' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

Without wishing to get too misty-eyed too early, this is what the Olympics are all about. There's a vibrant section of Uzbek fans who are making ALL the noise in the Parc des Princes right now. Their team are making their Olympic debut and they're currently outplaying the European Champions and reigning silver medallists.

24' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

It's Sergio Gomez's turn to claim a penalty, this is much more tentative though - hitting the deck under little pressure from the defender after a long throw and referee Dahane Beida gives the free-kick to Uzbekistan instead.

21' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

Ibrokhimkhalil Yuldoshev at left-back has been one of the standouts from either side as we approach the end of the opening quarter, and is only stopped from launching another counter-attack when he's floored on the halfway line. That praise must've gone to his head though - moments later he fails to trap a simple pass and concedes the throw-in.

17' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

PENALTY?? Aged 29, the 'Uzbek Messi' Eldor Shomurodov is one of country's greatest ever footballers and almost gave them one of their most memorable moments in the sport too. He chased a lifted pass in the box and went down under a risky challenge from Eric Garcia. He survives, but it could've very easily been a spot-kick.

15' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

And Uzbekistan have their first shot! It's no more threatening than Baena's though - a Umarali Rakhmonaliev trivela that's easy pickings for Arnau Tenas.

12' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

You know the crisp passing that Spain are famous for? Yeah that's... not how they've looked so far. However, there's signs that they're starting to find their feet in this game as a neat piece of skill from Fermin Lopez wins a free-kick and Alex Baena to gives Abduvohid Nematov his first save.

10' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

We're yet to have anything like a goalscoring opportunity but we finally have a Spanish attack, with Sergi Gomez loosing a shot into a forest of Uzbeks that's easily blocked.

7' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

Don't say we didn't warn them! Jaloliddinov is involved again, hacked down by Pau Cubarsi after the Barca boy was dispossessed by Abbosbek Fayzullaev, netting a free kick in a dangerous position. Unfortunately it ends in an Uzbek offside.

5' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

Jasurbek Jaloliddinov makes his presence felt early, twice cutting off passes within the Spanish back four but unable to get the ball under control quickly enough to pose a threat.

3' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

Well this isn't exactly following the script! Uzbekistan's coach Timur Kapadze emphasised their strength lies in their unity having played plenty of football together in 2024 unlike their opponents, and it's the White Wolves who are dictating play early on.

1' Uzbekistan 0-0 Spain

We're up and running, with both sides lining up in a 4-2-3-1 and Uzbekistan launching the first attack.

13:55 - The players are out

Which means it's national anthem time and kickoff is just five minutes away!

13:50 - discovery+ is live!

We're almost ready to go, and you can catch the rest of the build-up plus the match uninterrupted and ad-free on the streaming home of the Olympics: discovery+.

13:45 - ICYMI: France to host 2030 Winter Olympics

And just before we get underway with Paris 2024, this morning it was announced that France can already start looking forward to their next Games!

13:40 - Selection rules

After a bit of back-and-forth between FIFA and the IOC, since Atlanta 1996 the rules on men's Olympic football have been simple - it's an U23 tournament with three overage players allowed. For today's teams, they are:

Spain - Abel Ruiz, Juan Miranda, Sergio Gomez

Uzbekistan - Eldor Shomurodov, Husniddin Aliqulov, Oston Urunov

13:35 - How does it all work?

16 men's teams have qualified for Paris - hosts France got in automatically and the remaining 15 made it through a variety of youth football tournaments, starting with Honduras two years ago in the CONCACAF U-20 Championship.

In a throwback to the pre-2016 Euros tournament, there's no best-loser malarkey, just four groups with the top two teams in each qualifying for the quarter finals.

And it's not limited to Paris either, this game is at the Parc des Princes but there's six more cities hosting matches around l'Hexagone.

13:30 - T-30 minutes!

Not long to go until we kick off in this one, it's one of two 14:00 (UK time) matches that will fire the starting gun on the Paris Olympics after all the build-up.

The other is Argentina v Morocco with Julian Alvarez in action for Javier Mascherano's side, which you can watch on Eurosport 1 and discovery+!

Fermín López, selección sub21

Image credit: TNT Sports

13:25 - Familiar faces for Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan finished second in the U23 Asian Cup in spring, with Abduvohid Nematov picking up the best goalkeeper award and he'll protect the onion bag once again today. Khusayin Norchaev was the best White Wolf in front of goal but he's relegated to the bench for this one.

13:20 - Cubarsi the Spanish backbone

Turning 18 in January, Pau Cubarsi is practically an old man compared to Lamine Yamal - who's not competing at the Olympics - but the Barcelona talent is one of the best young defenders in the world and will help anchor this Spanish side.

He didn't feature in the Euros, unlike Alex Baena who racked up 25 minutes and is also included today in midfield alongside Fermin Lopez after his cameo in Germany.

13:15 - Hello and welcome

And welcome to the 2024 Olympic Games! Can you feel the excitement? The next 18 days will see 10,741 athletes from 206 countries compete for 329 gold medals in 32 sports, starting in just 45 minutes when Uzbekistan and Spain help get the men’s football tournament underway in the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Two of Spain’s victorious Euros squad will be involved after they won the silver medal three years ago in Tokyo, while Uzbekistan are making their debut in the competition.

And you can watch all the action too, as discovery+ will be live from 13:50 UK time for the last of the build-up!

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discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

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