Spain beat Uzbekistan 2-1 as the Olympic men's soccer competition officially began in Paris and Saint-Etienne.
PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Spain held off the challenge of Uzbekistan to win 2-1 on Wednesday in their first men's soccer group match of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Real Sociedad player Sergio Gomez netted the winner in the 62nd minute with an unstoppable drive, which earned the gold hopefuls Spain a hard-fought win.
In a game that kicked off two days before the Olympics opening ceremony, Uzbekistan looked more dangerous from early on, threatening Spain's goal on several occasions.
In the 29th minute, Spain right defender Marc Pubill opened the scoring on a free-kick made by captain Abel Ruiz.
Uzbekistan equalized with a penalty kick before break. Pau Cubarsi pulled down Muhammadkodit Hamraliev before the goal at the stoppage time of the first half. After the VAR intervened, the referee pointed to the spot. Uzbekistan skipper Elder Shomurodov converted the spot kick.
Spain won a penalty kick too, but Gomez's effort was denied by Uzbekistan goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov in the 59th minute.
Three minutes later the Real Sociedad striker redeemed himself by putting the ball past Nematov after latching onto a deft cross from Juan Miranda. ■
