Britain celebrates after defeating Argentina in the rugby quarterfinals. REUTERS
Japan Rugby 7s has had a dream run at the debut edition of the Olympic 7s competition. They shocked a faltering All Black 7s side in the tournament opener and have now managed to win themselves a semifinal spot after overcoming France in the Quarterfinals.
Japan will face Fiji while Great Britain will face off against South Africa for a spot in the all-important final.
The New Zealand All Blacks, who were ranked third prior to the start of the tournament, were ousted by the flying Fijians marking an end to a disappointing tournament having lost 03 out of 04 matches they played.
Read the full report on yesterday’s rugby action
Host finally find the net and advance to the next round
Brazil finally found its scoring touch at the Olympic tournament, defeating Denmark 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals and avoid another embarrassing elimination in front of their home fans.
Gabigol scored twice on Wednesday and Gabriel Jesus and Luan netted a goal each at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador to keep alive the nation’s hopes of winning the soccer gold medal for the first time.
The hosts will play Colombia on Saturday in Sao Paulo.
Brazil had been held to scoreless draws in its first two group games and needed a victory to guarantee a spot in the knockout round.
They finished first in Group A with five points, one more than Denmark, who also advanced and will play Nigeria.
South Africa and Iraq were eliminated after a 1-1 draw.
All China Final sees Ding Ning win Gold
China’s Ding Ning might have lost in the table tennis singles Olympic final four years ago, but this year, Ding came out on top with a thrilling finish against the same opponent. Ding beat compatriot Li Xiaoxia 4-3. Li was the opponent that defeated her in the London Olympic Games, so the two have traded spots on the podium: Ding gold, Li silver. For Ding, this is the second time she has won a gold medal for in 2012 she was able to win gold in the team event.
