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Tag: Paris 2024

  • Paris 2024: Meet two Nigerian born players doing business for Japan national team at the Olympics

    Paris 2024: Meet two Nigerian born players doing business for Japan national team at the Olympics

    Goalkeeper Leo Kokubo and midfielder Joel Chima Fujita are the only Black athletes representing Japan in men’s football at the 2024 Olympics.

    Both players, born in Japan to a Nigerian father and a Japanese mother, are signed to the Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden at the club level.

    Leo Brian Kokubo, a 23-year-old goalkeeper with Nigerian and Japanese heritage, is making a significant impact at the 2024 Olympics.

    Born in Nigeria to a Nigerian father and a Japanese mother, Kokubo brings a unique cultural blend to his game.

     

    Despite his Nigerian roots, Kokubo has chosen to represent Japan, having played for the U16, U18, and now U23 teams.

    He played a crucial role in Japan’s 5-0 victory over Paraguay in their Olympic opener, delivering an outstanding performance. Kokubo earned a 7.6 rating, making three crucial saves, achieving a 90% pass accuracy, and winning 100% of his ground duels. His impressive skills and composure under pressure were key to Japan’s dominant display.

     

    Kokubo’s journey reflects his commitment and versatility. Growing up with a Nigerian father and a Japanese mother, he has embraced both cultures, which is evident in his style of play.

    He combines the athleticism often associated with Nigerian players and the discipline and technical prowess of Japanese football, making him a standout performer.

     

    Having represented Japan at various youth levels, Kokubo’s experience is invaluable as he competes on the Olympic stage. His performance in the opening match sets a high standard for the tournament and highlights his potential to become a crucial player for Japan in future international competitions.

    As Japan continues its Olympic campaign, all eyes will be on Kokubo to see if he can maintain his impressive form and lead his team to victory.

    His journey from a young talent to a key player for Japan is a testament to his dedication and hard work, making him a player to watch in the 2024 Olympics.

     

    Japan made a commanding start to the men’s football competition at the Olympics, securing a 5-0 victory over a 10-man Paraguay. Shunsuke Mito and Shota Fujio each scored twice, contributing to Japan’s dominance in Group D.

    On the other hand Kokubo gave a good account of himself in Japan’s opening game of the Olympic making good saves with sharp reflexes.

  • Nigerians divided as Super Falcons lost to Brazil

    Nigerians divided as Super Falcons lost to Brazil

    Social media witnessed a heated debate amongst Nigerians after Super Falcons lost their first match at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the likes of Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun, Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade completed the cast that started the game, however their outing was shattered by a first-half goal pulled by the Brazilians in the 37th minute of the game.

    The super falcons’ defeat sparked lively debates among fans on various platforms as many expressed disappointment after which, condemned coach, Randy Waldrum’s descision to make Rasheedat Ajibade captain while benching Bay FC striker Oshoala who did not get the opportunity to play a minute in the match at the Matmut Atlantique Stadium in Bordeaux, France.

    Reacting a user identified as Buchi_Laba wrote on X: “My Review of the Super falcons match vs Brazil; We lost this match based on a childish mistake and we will do better. Randy Waldrum got no excuses for putting Asisat Oshoala on the bench for 90minutes.”

    Another user, Yuzeski wrote: “I don’t understand why Waldrum left Oshoala on the bench when she’s not injured. The team needed an extra attacking power, which was clearly missing. “The Brazilians had one of their veterans on the pitch,and her impact in the game was quite obvious.”

    damilola2i wrote: “Left Oshoala on the bench for players that can’t figure out which leg they play with. Coach better have a good explanation #NGABRA.”

    iknowAprilmufc wrote: “I want to believe Oshoala was injured, because nothing justifies her being on the bench the whole time during this game when the people upfront lacked everything basic for an attacker.”

    Saheed Afolabi wrote: “Bashing Asisat Oshoala despite she didn’t play a part in today’s game just shows the hypocrisy in some of you.The truth is Oshoala still remains our best Striker upfront.”

  • Olympic Games: France tightens security ahead of opening ceremony

    Olympic Games: France tightens security ahead of opening ceremony

    France aims to wow the world on Friday with an extravagant Olympic Games opening ceremony through the heart of Paris.

    It is officially kicking off a Games fraught with security risks at a time of heightened geo-political tensions.

    Some 45,000 police personnel, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security staff have been mobilised.

    This will ensure the safety of the parade along the river Seine, its banks and surrounding monuments, in an unprecedented display of security.

    A procession of barges will take nearly 7,000 athletes along the river past Paris’s most famous landmarks, while more than 300,000 spectators will watch from the banks.

    Since the last Olympics (the Winter Games in Beijing in 2022), wars have erupted in Ukraine and Gaza, providing a tense backdrop to the Games.

    France is however at its highest level of security, even though officials have repeatedly said there is no specific threat to the opening ceremony or the Games.

    As part of vast security operations, authorities have turned to powers passed under an anti-terror law, placing 155 people under surveillance measures.

    These strictly limit their movement, according to official data and a Reuters review of cases.

    Meanwhile, Israel’s competitors are being escorted by elite tactical units to and from events and given 24-hour protection throughout the Olympics, officials say.

    Scores of world leaders will be in Paris for the opening ceremony, which will be protected by snipers on rooftops.

    The Seine’s riverbed has been swept for bombs, and Paris’ airspace will be closed.

    For the Games more generally, radar-surveillance planes and Reaper drones will watch sensitive sites from above.

    Also, Mirage 2000 fighter jets will be on standby to intercept aircraft straying into restricted airspace.

    ”Everything is ready,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in a video he posted on X.

    “Even the (Olympics) rings are there,” he said, overlooking the Eiffel tower. “Enjoy the Games!”

    Macron, who won a second mandate two years ago, had hoped the Olympics would cement his legacy.

    But his failed bet on a snap legislative election has weakened him and is casting a shadow over his moment on the international stage.

    Most important facts about 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony

    The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris officially begins with a unique show in the middle of the Seine later on Friday.

    Hosts France and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) already have big —- and mysterious —- plans for the pompous opening ceremony.

    What’s special about the opening ceremony?

    For the first time in Summer Games history, the opening ceremony won’t be held in a stadium.

    Instead, the more than 200 national delegations will sail across the Seine through the centre of Paris and past sights such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

    How does the ceremony work?

    The parade of athletes will start at 7:30 p.m (6:30 p.m Nigerian time) at the Pont d’Austerlitz and will come to the end of its six-kilometre route at the Trocadéro.

    This is right next to the Eiffel Tower, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place, including the lighting of the Olympic cauldron.

    It is still unknown who will light the Olympic cauldron, but according to reports, this honour will be given to French track and field athlete and three-time Olympic champion Marie-José Pérec.

    Football star Zinédine Zidane is also said to be a candidate.

    The festivities will be adorned with music and dance performances as well as light shows.

    According to the Parisien newspaper, 400 dancers and 3,000 artists will perform —– probably also on the bridges over the Seine.

    The organisers want to present the French cultural heritage in 12 different scenes.

    Skate and BMX stars are also expected to put on a show.

    Who is performing at the opening ceremony?

    That’s one of the biggest secrets —- but there are a few rumours.

    According to reports, superstar Céline Dion will be performing with pop icon Lady Gaga.

    Dion has cancelled all of the 2023 and 2024 dates of her “Courage Worlt Tour” in Europe due to illness.

    A performance at the opening ceremony would be a special and emotional moment for her and her fans.

    How can the sports fans in Paris watch the ceremony?

    Those among the 300,000 lucky people who were able to get a ticket, will follow the opening ceremony on the banks of the Seine.

    In addition, 80 giant screens and strategically-placed speakers will allow fans to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the show throughout the French capital.

    Which politicians will be in attendance?

    Around 120 heads of state and government as well as representatives are expected to attend the opening ceremony, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US First Lady Jill Biden.

    According to the Le Parisien newspaper, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will not be in Paris.

    The Games will be formally opened by French President Emmanuel Macron.

    What is being done to ensure the safety of the event?

    Security plays a major role at the Olympic Games in France and there will be some 45,000 security personnel on duty for the opening ceremony.

    The airspace within a 150-kilometre radius of Paris will be closed for the evening, while the areas of the Seine along which the parade will go through will be closed to car traffic.

  • Paris 2024: Messi slammed over reaction to Argentina’s loss against Morocco

    Paris 2024: Messi slammed over reaction to Argentina’s loss against Morocco

    Brazilian football pundit Milly Lacombe criticized Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi for his reaction to the Argentina U-23 team’s defeat to Morocco in the opening match of the Olympics in Paris on July 24.

     

    The game ended in a 2-2 draw but was suspended due to security reasons. VAR later determined that Cristian Medina was offside when he scored the goal that tied the match at 2-2 for Argentina.

     

    After the match, Argentina’s senior national team captain, Lionel Messi, posted the word “insolito” on his Instagram story, which translates to “unusual.”

     

    Speaking to UOL Esporte, Milly Lacombe questioned why Messi did not condemn his teammates’ racist chants directed at France, criticizing him for staying silent about their behavior, which became a topic of discussion on social media after their Copa America victory.

  • Paris 2024: Kazakh tennis star forced out of Olympic Games

    Paris 2024: Kazakh tennis star forced out of Olympic Games

    Kazakh tennis star and third seed Elena Rybakina has pulled out of the Olympic Games in Paris due to illness.

    Rybakina withdrew just hours after the draw took place at Roland Garros on Thursday.

    “After the Wimbledon tournament, I fell ill with acute bronchitis, and in spite of my attempts to return to training, my body has not yet recovered.

    “The doctors have strictly forbidden me to go to court,” Rybakina said in a statement.

    “I am very sorry that I cannot fulfill your hopes and play for our team at the Olympics in Paris.

    “I was so close to a medal in Tokyo and carefully prepared for the Paris Games to win gold for Kazakhstan. Unfortunately, illness prevented these plans from coming true.”

    Rybakina, who finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics, has withdrawn from a number of tournaments in 2024, primarily citing illness.

    France’s Caroline Garcia will take Rybakina’s place in the Paris draw, while Australia’s Daria Saville will enter the draw as an alternate.

  • 2024 Olympics: Amid scandal, Canada edge New Zealand 2-1; Coach sent home

    2024 Olympics: Amid scandal, Canada edge New Zealand 2-1; Coach sent home

    Defending champions Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their Paris Olympics opening game on Thursday in a match overshadowed by a spying scandal that has engulfed the women’s tournament.

    Cloe Lacasse and Evelyne Viens scored on a night which might have been a routine group win for Canada, before being pushed into the global spotlight due to a spying scandal.

    The situation saw manager Bev Priestman sitting out Thursday’s game and two staff members sent home amid allegations of drone use at two New Zealand practice sessions.

    Assistant Andy Spence acted as coach, while Priestman, who had removed herself from the game after New Zealand’s complaint, watched it from the team hotel.

    The full fallout from the scandal is yet to be known, as Canada Soccer has launched an independent external review into the matter.

    Global football’s governing body FIFA has also begun disciplinary proceedings.

    Joseph Lombardi, one of the staff members sent home, was handed an eight-month suspended jail term and his material was confiscated, a French court said.

    New Zealand coach Indiah-Page Riley, meanwhile, said the scandal “lit a fire in our bellies.”

    Mackenzie Barry shocked the Canadians by opening the scoring with a goal in the 13th minute when she fired home off the underside of the crossbar after Katie Kitching’s corner-kick.

    But Canada eventually proved too strong for the women’s football minnows, whose best Olympic finish was a quarter-final appearance in 2012.

    Lacasse levelled in first-half added time, stabbing home from close-range after some exquisite passing.

    Viens netted the winner in the 79th minute in front of a sparse crowd at Geoffrey-Guichard Stadium.

    This Wasa when she ran onto a pinpoint long pass from Jessie Fleming and fired first-time into the far corner from a tight angle.

    France beat Colombia 3-2 in Thursday’s late Group A match, while Spain beat Japan 2-1 in their Group C opener.

    Canada football coach sent home from Paris Olympics

    Canada has sent home their women’s Olympic football coach, Bev Priestman, following allegations of drones being used to spy on their opponents.

    Canada are the women’s Olympic champions from Tokyo 2020 and had already sent home two members of staff on Wednesday.

    That was after drones were used to spy on a New Zealand practice in France.

    The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) said in a statement on Friday it had now removed Priestman from the team due to her suspension by Canada Soccer.

    “Over the past 24 hours, additional information has come to our attention regarding previous drone use against opponents, predating the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Canada Soccer chief executive Kevin Blue said.

    “In (the) light of these new revelations, Canada Soccer has made the decision to suspend Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach Bev Priestman for the remainder of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

    “This will also be in place until the completion of our recently-announced independent external review.”

    Assistant coach Andy Spence will take the reins for the remainder of the Olympic Games.

    Canada defeated New Zealand 2-1 in their tournament opener on Thursday.

    Priestman had earlier removed herself from coaching the match on Wednesday.

  • Paris 2024: Brazil pip Super Falcons 1- 0 in Bordeaux

    Paris 2024: Brazil pip Super Falcons 1- 0 in Bordeaux

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria suffered a 1-0 defeat in the hands of Brazil in their opening group C encounter in Bordeaux on Thursday evening.

    Brazil Super star Martha supplied Gabi Nunez a through pass and she fired home a shot that beat goalie Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 35th minute.

    Prior to Nunez’s goal, the South American side had scored but the goal was chalked off for offside.

    The Nigerian ladies created couple of chances in the first 45 minutes but weren’t clinical in front of goal.

    Upon resumption of second half, the Brazilians tested the Nigerian goalie, Nnadozie on many occasions but she rose up to the billing.

    All efforts to equalize in the dying minutes of the second half proved abortive for the Nigerian ladies.

    The results meant that Brazil are second on the table behind Spain who  defeated Japan 2-1 in the other group C encounter.

    The Japanese ladies are currently occupying the third position on the table.

    For now the Super Falcons are rooted to the bottom the table.

    12 teams qualified to play at the 2024 female football of the Paris Olympics.

  • Paris 2024 Olympics: NOC, Sports Ministry unveil 84 athletes [Full list]

    Paris 2024 Olympics: NOC, Sports Ministry unveil 84 athletes [Full list]

    The Federal Ministry of Sports Development and the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) have jointly unveiled a list of 84 athletes to represent the nation at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

    The Paris 2024 Olympics is scheduled to kick off on July 26 to Aug. 11.

    Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of NOC, who stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos, said the athletes would compete across 12 different sports at the global sports fiesta.

    “Notably, the contingent is largely comprised of female athletes, with a significant presence from female soccer and basketball teams.

    “The team will also be participating in events such as Athletics, badminton, boxing, Canoing, cycling, taekwondo, table tennis, wrestling, weightlifting, and swimming,” he said.

    Nezianya also disclosed that the athletes have started moving into Games village in Paris from their training base in Germany.

    “This is with exception of the National female soccer team, the Falcons, who have relocated to Boaxdeux for their football event being held in cities outside Paris.

    “The teams comprised of  Basketball Team, 12,  Athletics,  35, female football, table tennis, 4, wrestling, 5, boxing, 2, swimming, 2, Taekwondo, 1 and Badminton, 1, “he said.

    Final list:

    Athletics – Men

    Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale – 4 x 400m Relay Mixed
    Ajayi Kayinsola – 100m, 4 x 100m Relay
    Akintola Alaba Olakunle – 4 x 100m Relay
    Amene Dubem – 4 x 100m Relay
    Ashe Favour Oghene – Mens 100m
    Enekwechi Chukwuebuka – Mens Shotput
    Ibadin Edose – Mens 800m
    Itsekiri Usheoritse – 4 x 100m Relay
    Nathaniel Ezekiel – Mens 400m Hurdles
    .Nnamdi Chinecherem – Mens Javelin Throw
    Nwachukwu Dubem – 4 x 400m Relay Mixed
    Ogazi Samuel – Mens 400m, 4 x 400m Relay
    Oghenebrume Godson – Mens 100m, 4 x 100m Relay
    Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel – Mens 4 x 400m Relay
    Okezie Chidi – Mens 400m, 4 x 400m Relay
    Onwuzurike Udodi Chudi – Mens 200m
    Sunday Israel Okon – 4 x 400m, 4 x 400m Relay Mixed

    Athletics – Women

    Adeshina Temitope Simbiat – Womens High Jump
    Amaechi Obiageri Pamela – Women’s Discus Throw
    Amusan Oluwatobilola – Women’s 100m
    Anumba Ashley – Women’s Discus Throw
    Brume Ese – Women’s Long Jump
    Chukwuma Rosemary – Women’s 100m
    Eyakpobeyan Justina Tiana – Women’s 4 x 100m Relay
    George Patience Okon – 4 x 400m Relay (Mixed)
    Godbless Tima Seikeseye – Women’s 100m, 4 x 100m Relay
    Joseph Esther Elo – Women’s 400m, 4 x 400m Relay
    Oghonogor Prestina Oluchi – Women’s Long Jump
    Ofili Favour – Women’s 200m
    Oginmakinju Omolara – Women’s 4 x 400m Relay (Mixed)
    Olajide Olayinka – Women’s 4 x 100m Relay
    Olatoye Oyesade – Women’s Hammer Throw
    Onojuvwevwo Ella – Women’s 400m
    Onyekwere Chioma – Women’s Discus Throw
    Usoro Ruth – Women’s Long Jump.

    Badminton

    Opeyori Anuoluwapo

    Basketball

    Adeyeye Adebola
    Amukamara Promise
    Balogun Elizabeth
    Ebo Lauren
    Ejiofor Blessing
    Enabosi Nicole
    Igbokwe Rita
    Kalu Ezinne
    Kunaiyi-Akpanah Pallas
    Musa Murjanatu
    Okonkwo Amy
    Okoro Ifunanya
    Taiwo Olaoluwatomi

    Boxing

    Olaore Olaitan – Men’s Heavyweight 92kg
    Ogunsemilore Cynthia – Women’s Lightweight 60kg

    Canoeing

    Bello Ayomide – Women’s Sprint C2, 500m
    Otuedo Beauty – Women’s Sprint C2, 500m

    Cycling

    Ese Ukpeseraye

    Football

    Abiodun Deborah
    Ajibade Rasheedat
    Alozie Michelle
    Demehin Blessing
    Echegini Jennifer
    Ihezue Chinwendu
    Kanu Uchenna
    Macleans Chinonyerem
    Nnadozie Chiamaka
    Ohale Osinachi
    Okeke Chidinma
    Okoronkwo Esther
    Oluehi Tochukwu
    Onumonu Ifeoma
    Oshoala Asisat
    Payne Nicole
    Payne Toni
    Ucheibe Christy
    Ademola Morufa
    Alani Jumoke
    Monday Gift
    Otu Regina

    Swimming

    Sijuade Oluwatobiloba
    Nwandu Adaku

    Taekwondo

    Anyanacho Elizabeth – Women’s -67kg

    Table Tennis

    Aruna Quadri – Men’s Singles
    Omotayo Olajide – Men’s Singles
    Effiong Edem – Women’s Singles
    Fatima Bello – Women’s Singles

    Weightlifting

    Lawal Rafiatu – Women’s -59kg
    Eze Joy Ogbonne – Women’s -71kg

    Wrestling

    Mutuwa Ashtoib – Men’s Freestyle – 125kg
    Ogunsanya Christiana – Women’s Freestyle -53kg
    Adekuoroye Odunayo – Women’s Freestyle -53kg
    Kolawole Esther – Women’s Freestyle -62kg
    Oborodudu Blessing – Women’s Freestyle -68kg
    Reuben Hannah – Women’s Freestyle -76kg

  • Paris 2024: Super Falcons ready for Brazil’s challenge in Bordeaux

    Paris 2024: Super Falcons ready for Brazil’s challenge in Bordeaux

    Nigeria’s Super Falcons bounce back to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament with some fear factor for all opponents, and Brazil are the first to face the girls with the swagger in what promises to be an explosive opener to Group C in the city of Bordeaux on Thursday evening.

    In years gone by, pundits would have dismissed the clash as a routine three-pointer for the South Americans, who continue to produce some of the world’s best legs in the game. But so much has changed over the past year-and-half, and on the evidence of their outing at last summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, any team that under-rates the nine-time African champions could end up with a black eye and a bloody nose.

    The Falcons are returning to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament the way they left – against Brazil. Their last game at the tournament was against Brazil, when they lost 1-3 to the Canarinhas in front of 51,112 spectators at the impressive Workers’ Stadium in Beijing, China. Perpetua Nkwocha’s penalty kick that put Nigeria in front was annulled by a Cristiane hat-trick that sent Brazil to the last eight.

    However, women’s football aficionados worldwide consider that Thursday’s encounter at the 42,000 -capacity Stade Matmut Atlantique in southern France will be much more competitive and entertaining.

    Nigeria’s ensemble is currently brimming with highly-gifted, talented and enterprising professionals who continue to dazzle with their clubs in Europe and the Americas, and they suffer no anxieties or palpitations when they take the pitch against the very best squads from anywhere, as was seen in Australia 12 months ago.

    Down Under, the girls coached by American Randy Waldrum successfully checkmated Olympic champions Canada, defeated exciting hosts Australia and drew with an ambitious Republic of Ireland side in Brisbane to reach the Round of 16. There, they punched England severally but could not get that important goal, and eventually lost after a penalty shootout following scoreless regulation and extra time.

    Only reserve goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi remains part of the Falcons’ squad from that 2008 experience in China, but goalkeeper Ann Chiejine, assistant coach with the team in France, was part of a memorable encounter with the Brazilians at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in the USA in 1999.

    Nigeria roared back from 0-3 down at half time to tie the encounter 3-3, but lost via the ‘golden goal’ at the Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in Maryland.

    On Thursday, there will be no punches pulled by either side, with the focus on the three points as the race begins for slots in the quarter-finals.

    Coach Waldrum can afford to be confident, with world-class goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defence stalwarts Osinachi Ohale, Michelle Alozie Oluwatosin Demehin and Chidinma Okeke, midfielders Rasheedat Ajibade, Christy Ucheibe, Deborah Abiodun and Toni Payne, and forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo and Uchenna Kanu.

    The Super Falcons flew past their counterparts from Ethiopia, Cameroon and South Africa to reach the final tournament, and no doubt, possess the steel and flair to go all the way in France.

  • Paris 2024: Morocco beat Argentina in chaotic opening football match

    Paris 2024: Morocco beat Argentina in chaotic opening football match

    A fan invasion in the opening match of the Olympic football tournament between Argentina and Morocco on Wednesday caused chaos.

    But former champions Argentina were eventually beaten 2-1, following a video assistant referee (VAR) review after play was suspended with the scores tied at 2-2.

    Argentina’s Cristian Medina scored deep in injury time to salvage what looked like a 2-2 draw, but the decision ruling out the goal was delivered about two hours after play was suspended.

    That was when the teams re-emerged on to the pitch to finish the match in an empty stadium.

    The teams played for three minutes and 15 seconds after VAR completed its review and disallowed the goal.

    After order was restored in Saint-Etienne and the teams had left the field following the fan invasion, they discovered that the match had not been completed but suspended by officials.

    The venue manager told Reuters the game had been interrupted, adding that a decision about whether the match would be completed was being discussed.

    The teams re-emerged just before 7 p.m. local time and warmed up a second time so the final minutes could be played.

    The gold medal winners in 2004 and 2008 were not at their best in spite of lining up with recent Copa America winners Julian Alvarez, Nicolas Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli.

    Soufiane Rahimi put Morocco ahead after Achraf Hakimi set him up from the right following a superb passing move in the final seconds of the first half.

    Rahimi doubled the advantage and netted his second from the penalty kick spot in the 49th minute before Giuliano Simeone pulled one back for Javier Mascherano’s side in the 68th minute.

    Medina then found the net 16 minutes into stoppage time before fans stormed the pitch and objects were thrown at players as chaos erupted in the eastern French city.

    Spain beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in their opening match of Group C at the Parc de Princes.

    Spain, who struggled to hit their stride in the opening stages of the game, took the lead in the 29th minute against Uzbekistan with a close-range finish from Marc Pubill off Abel Ruiz’s flick.

    Uzbekistan, cheered on by an ecstatic crowd, equalised just before half-time, thanks to Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty kick following a VAR review for a Pau Cubarsi foul.

    “For me, Uzbekistan were no surprise,” Spain coach Santi Denia said.

    “We have achieved our objective, but it’s been a very difficult game and now it is time to improve. That’s my job, I have to transmit better.”

    “I told the team at half-time to improve ball circulation, which was what we were missing. We have to improve that. If we do it we will have more options to achieve victory.”

    Spain wasted a golden chance to restore the lead after the break when Sergio Gomez’s penalty kick effort was saved by Abduvohid Nematov.

    But the Real Sociedad player redeemed himself and found the net in the 62nd minute.