The final set of group matches in the men’s Olympic football competition largely lacked goals and match action but did settle the remaining issues regarding the knockout stages.
Only Brazil had already secured their quarter-final berth and with no pressure they strolled to a 3-0 victory over New Zealand at the Sports Direct Arena in Group C.
Alex Sandro was sent off for two bookable offences, but goals from Danilo, Leandro Damiao and Sandro saw them progress as the only side with a 100% record.
They were joined in the quarter-finals by Egypt, who overcame Belarus 3-1 to jump past the Europeans and into second spot.
It was a goalless first half but strikes after the restart from Mohamed Salah, Marwan Mohsen and Mohamed Aboutrika were enough for the Africans to progress.
Blank scorecard in Group D
If you were a fan of any of the four teams in Group D you’d be left feeling disappointed, after there were no goals in both encounters.
Japan and Honduras played out a dismal 0-0 stalemate in Coventry, a result which saw both sides qualify for the quarter-finals.
The Japanese top the group, whilst Honduras can celebrate too, as they’ve made the knockout stage of any international tournament for the first time in their history.
Spain and Morocco did provide far more entertainment at Old Trafford but some dreadful finishing and good goalkeeping, meant this match also finished in a 0-0 draw.
The Spanish finish bottom of the group and exit without scoring a goal, matching France’s feat at the 2002 World Cup, when they went in as defending World and European champions.
Uruguay become another big casualty
Another big name casualty is Uruguay, which got eliminated from a closely contested Group A.
They lost 1-0 at the Millennium Stadium to Team GB, with Daniel Sturridge scoring the only goal for the hosts on the stroke of half-time.
Gaston Ramirez smashed the crossbar and Luis Suarez was denied twice by Jack Butland as the South Americans failed to deliver on their formidable promise of being a frontrunner.
Senegal will be one to watch in the upcoming games and join Team GB in advancing into the last eight.
They drew 1-1 with the United Arab Emirates with Moussa Konate scoring his fourth goal in three matches.
This pegged back an early lead for the UAE, given to them in the 20th minute by their skipper Ismaeil Matar.
Mexico lead the field in Group B
Mexico topped Group B, after beating Switzerland 1-0 in Cardiff.
They had a hatful of opportunities but only took the one, which came in the second half, courtesy of Oribe Peralta.
South Korea joined them in the last eight. They played out a 0-0 draw with Gabon.
In the quarter-finals, Japan will play Egypt at Old Trafford, Mexico face Senegal at Wembley Stadium, the Sports Direct Arena will host Brazil v Honduras and Team GB stay in Cardiff, to do battle with South Korea.
From now on, it’s knockout football all the way.
Results
Group A: Senegal 1-1 United Arab Emirates (City of Coventry Stadium)
Group A: Team GB 1-0 Uruguay (Millennium Stadium)
Group B: Mexico 1-0 Switzerland (Millennium Stadium)
Group B: South Korea 0-0 Gabon (Hampden Park)
Group C: Brazil 3-0 New Zealand (Sports Direct Arena)
Group C: Egypt 3-1 Belarus (Hampden Park)
Group D: Spain 0-0 Morocco (Old Trafford)
Group D: Japan 0-0 Honduras (City of Coventry Stadium)
By Simon Wright – Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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