On Match Day 3 of the Olympic men’s soccer tournament (Wednesday, Aug. 10) each group plays its matches at the same time. At the end of the day, only eight teams will remain in contention for gold – the top two teams from each group.
Group D (12:00 p.m. ET)
Algeria vs. Portugal
The Portugal vs. Algeria match will have little bearing on the quarterfinals. Portugal has already qualified and with a three-goal advantage in goal differential over the others teams in the group, it has all but clinched the top spot in the group. Algeria has zero points from its first two matches and has been eliminated.
Argentina vs. Honduras
Argentina takes on Honduras with a quarterfinal berth on the line. Both teams have three points while Honduras has a one-goal edge in goal differential. Both teams could be tense going into this win-or-go-home match.
Group C (3:00 p.m. ET)
Germany vs. Fiji
After earning two draws in its first two matches at the Olympics, Germany is in need of a win to qualify for the quarterfinals. The team should have little trouble handling Fiji, which has been overmatched throughout the tournament.
Although Fiji held a one-goal lead against Mexico in its previous match, expect Germany to win with ease.
Germany may have to pour it on, if possible, to improve its goal differential. A Germany victory and a South Korea/Mexico draw in the other Group C match would mean all three teams would be tied with 5 points with goal differential as the tiebreaker.
South Korea vs. Mexico
South Korea and Mexico face off with the top spot in Group C on the line with both teams sitting at four points.
South Korea holds the edge in goal differential, boasting a +8 difference compared to Mexico’s +4. Therefore, a win or draw for South Korea would give them the top spot. Defending gold medalist Mexico will need to go for the win against South Korea to guarantee that Germany cannot move into second place in the group.
Group B (6:00 p.m. ET)
Colombia vs. Nigeria
Nigeria has already won Group B after winning its first two matches. The team has arguably been the most impressive in the tournament. First defeating Japan 5-4 in an exciting match after arriving in Brazil just hours before kickoff and then dominating Sweden in a 1-0 match that was not nearly as close as it appeared.
Colombia currently sits in second place in Group B with two points. A win for Colombia would clinch a quarterfinal berth. Colombia would still have a chance to qualify with a draw, but would need things to fall in its favor in the Japan/Sweden match.
Japan vs. Sweden
Japan and Sweden face off with both needing three points and some help from Nigeria to advance to the quarterfinals. If Colombia beats Nigeria, both Japan and Sweden are eliminated. However, a Colombia/Nigeria draw opens the door for Japan or Sweden to take second in the group with a victory.
Both teams have struggled to defend at the Olympics with Sweden allowing four goals and Japan allowing seven through two matches.
Group A (9:00 p.m. ET)
Denmark vs. Brazil
Coming into the Olympics Brazil was considered to be the gold medal favorite in men’s soccer, but little has gone right for the hosts as they sit with two points through two matches and have not scored a goal. Brazil would clinch a quarterfinal spot with a victory over Denmark and would be eliminated with a loss.
If Brazil and Denmark tie, then Brazil puts itself at the mercy of South Africa and Iraq with a South Africa or Iraq win eliminating Brazil. For Denmark, a draw is all they need to clinch a quarterfinal berth.
South Africa vs. Iraq
South Africa and Iraq are both in need of a win to advance to the quarterfinals. South Africa has one point while Iraq has two. In the event that both Denmark/Brazil and South Africa/Iraq end in a draw, then Denmark would win the group and there would be a drawing of lots for the first time in Olympic soccer history to determine second place.