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    Soccer News: Tokyo Olympics: Gignac hat-trick helps deny South Africa as Spain ends 21-year wait

    France got the better of South Africa in a seven-goal thriller, thanks to Andre-Pierre Gignac’s hat-trick that inspired Bleus to win 4-3 at the Tokyo Olympics.

    After being beaten 4-1 by Mexico in their first Group A match, France reacted to keep their chances of progression alive, even if they had to do it the hard way in Saitama.

    Indeed, South Africa led on three occasions during a remarkable second half, but it was the Bleus who took the points.

    Liberato Cacace’s stunning wasn’t enough to lead New Zealand to victory over Honduras in Group B, while reigning champions Brazil could only draw 0-0 with Cote d’Ivoire and Spain overcame ‘Australia thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal’s winning goal.

    GIGNAC AND SAVANIER TOGETHER THRILLER

    France were on the wrong side of conceding four goals last time, and although they still conceded three this time, Teji Savanier’s stunt goal saw them clinch the win.

    It was 35-year-old Gignac who brought France to level on three occasions: a close-range shot followed by a header before the competition’s top scorer Tigres forward converted his second tournament penalty to nullify Il Glorioso. goal in the 81st minute by Teboho Mokoena.

    Luther Singh missed a first-half penalty for South Africa, with Kobamelo Kodisang and Evidence Makgopa also scoring.

    But Gignac’s efforts set the stage for France to step forward when Montpellier expert Savanier lashed home, sending South Africa out in the process.

    France are third in Group A, three points behind leaders Japan, who survived a final scare by beating Mexico 2-1.

    ALL THE WHITES MAKE THE LEAD SLIDE

    Cacace’s outstanding shot put New Zealand ahead after just 10 minutes in Kashima as the defender hit the top right corner with a first 30-yard shot.

    Luis Palma reestablished parity in halftime injury time, but Chris Wood kept scoring to put New Zealand ahead immediately after the second half.

    Yet the substitutes proved the difference for Honduras. Juan Obregon scored with 12 minutes left, paving the way for Rigoberto Rivas to clinch the comeback win.

    Things have been much easier for South Korea, who triumphed 4-0 against Romania, meaning all four Group B teams are on four points for the final matchday.

    OYARZABAL RECORDS THE LONG AWAITED VICTORY OF SPAIN

    Spain secured their first Olympic win since 2000 thanks to Oyarzabal’s header against Australia, nine minutes from time.

    The 24-year-old Real Sociedad winger – who played a pivotal role in Spain’s run to the semi-finals at Euro 2020 – took La Roja to the top of Group C in Wednesday’s match with Argentina, who beat Egypt.

    Spain, who drew Egypt in the first game, won gold in 1992 and silver in 2000, but have only qualified once since, but failed to score in their three games. London 2012.

    CHAMPIONS KEPT AS GERMANY REBOUND

    Brazil shone in a 4-2 win over Germany on Matchday 1, although they couldn’t find a way to overtake Cote d’Ivoire, which kept them 0-0 in Group D.

    Douglas Luiz was sent off early for Brazil, who missed one last chance to seal qualification with substitute Malcolm after Cote d’Ivoire was also reduced to 10 men.

    Meanwhile, Germany recovered from matchday one defeat and beat Saudi Arabia 3-2: Felix Uduokhai scored the deciding goal in the 75th minute.

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