Playing in the first stage of the Paris Olympics men’s football tournament, the Dominican Republic team debuted with a 0-0 game against Egypt. The FIFA ranking of Egypt is 36th and that of the Dominican Republic 150th.
The men’s football tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games features 16 teams divided into four groups. In this tournament, players must generally be under 23 years of age, with each team allowed to include up to three over-age players. The competition is taking place from 24 July to 9 August 2024, across various stadiums in France.
The Dominican Olympic website reports that the Dominican U-23 team delivered a strong performance in its Olympic debut, earning the valuable 0-0 draw against Egypt at the Stade de la Beaujoire.
Egypt dominated possession in the opening 20 minutes but, despite several shots on goal, failed to break the deadlock.
The Dominican Republic’s positive performance was evident in the crowd’s enthusiastic support, cheering every touch, shot, and even questioning some of the referee’s calls.
Colimdo reports that despite Egypt’s early dominance, the Dominican squad held firm, confidently defending their goal. From the 25th minute onwards, the match became more end-to-end, with Peter Federico Gonzalez having a goal disallowed for a foul in the build-up. Four minutes later, Heinz Morschell’s long-range effort was cleared off the line. The Dominicans continued to press high up the pitch, with Nowen Lorenzo forcing a save from the Egyptian goalkeeper.
Egypt also created several chances in the first half, but their crosses were cleared or their shots were off target. Just before halftime, Mohamed Elneny struck the post from distance.
In the second half, Peter Federico forced a good save from the Egyptian goalkeeper with a free-kick. The rebound fell to Luiyi De Lucas, but his shot went wide.
Colimdo shares reports from Frane that despite making substitutions, the Dominican team, coached by Spaniard Ibai Gómez, maintained their high level of performance and even looked to snatch a late winner.
The Dominican Republic’s next match will be against Spain on Saturday, 27 July 2024 at the Stade de Bordeaux, kicking off at 9am (Dominican Republic time).
The formal inauguration of the full Paris Olympic Games is on Friday, 26 July 2024. The inauguration is planned for several venues across the Seine River.
Read more in Spanish:
Colimdo
Diario Libre
Olympics
FIFA rankings
25 July 2024