Lyon, Aug 2 (AP) Fermin Lopez scored a goal in each half and Spain beat Japan 3-0 to reach the semifinals of the men's soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics on Friday.

Abel Ruiz sealed the win late for Spain, the silver medalist three years ago in Toyko.

Also Read | Why There Was No Super Over in India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI 2024 Despite Tied Match? Know Reason.

Spain arrived as one of the favourites but there were doubts surrounding the squad after it failed to win its group following a loss to Egypt. Japan, meanwhile, finished at the top of its group after three straight victories.

Lopez opened the scoring with a low left-footed shot from outside the area in the 11th minute, then used his right foot to add to the lead in the 73rd. Ruiz capped the victory from inside the area after a corner kick in the 86th.

Also Read | Paris Olympics 2024: Tom Cruise To Make Dazzling Skydiving Entrance at Closing Ceremony.

Japan had a first-half goal disallowed for offside on a very tight call determined by video review.

Spain's road back to the final will now go through Morocco, which reached the last four by routing the United States 4-0 earlier Friday. AP

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)