Tag: Paris 2024

After all the fun of the Euros and Copa America, the international football action keeps on coming. We’ve reached the knockout stage of the football tournament at the Olympics, with eight nations in both the men’s and women’s tournaments still competing to win the gold medal in Paris.

France are looking strong in both competitions, although they face stiff competition from the likes of Argentina and Spain in the men’s side, while the USA and Canada will challenge for the women’s title.

Ahead of the quarter-finals getting underway tomorrow, we’ve taken a look at all the key talking points so far.

Men’s Olympic quarter-final fixtures

France v Argentina
Egypt v Paraguay
Morocco v United States
Japan v Spain

Can anyone stop France?

Home advantage counts for a lot in Olympic football and France certainly seem to be benefiting from it. The hosts sailed through their group, winning all three matches without conceding a goal.

Thierry Henry’s squad is packed full of Premier League talent past and present, with Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta all getting on the scoresheet in wins over the USA, Guinea and New Zealand. They’re targeting their second Olympic gold after going all the way back in 1984.

But the French face a tricky quarter-final test against Argentina. The South American nation won back-to-back gold medals in 2004 and 2008, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez leading their attack. This time around they’re led by Manchester City star Julian Alvarez, while Nicolas Otamendi provides experience at the back in a squad packed with home-based youngsters.

Argentina only managed to finish second in their group following a surprise defeat to Morocco in their opening game. They went on to beat Iraq and Ukraine to set up a tie with France, where a win could make them favourites for the title, with the winner of Egypt v Paraguay waiting in the semi-final.

Spain target gold after Tokyo heartbreak

On the other side of the draw, Spain are looking to go one better than last time. Three years ago in Tokyo they went all the way to the final, with a squad packed with recognisable talent, including Pedri, Dani Olmo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Marco Asensio.

But they weren’t able to claim their second gold medal as former Barcelona winger Malcom’s extra-time strike secured a win for Brazil. This time around, Spain are going for gold despite finishing second in their group following a shock defeat to Egypt.

The Spanish face Japan who are no pushovers. Like France, they topped their group without conceding a goal and they swept aside Paraguay with a 5-0 thrashing in their opening game. They followed that up with solid 1-0 wins over Mali and Israel but they may need to step it up a gear to get past Spain.

Elsewhere, Egypt take on Paraguay and they’ll be confident of progressing after topping their group unbeaten ahead of Spain. Paraguay finished second in group D after two stoppage-time goals helped them beat Israel 4-2.

And in the final quarter-final clash, Morocco meet the USA. Morocco topped their group after Soufiane Rahimi’s impressive brace helped them beat Argentina in a game steeped with VAR controversy. They face an American side that lost to France but then showed their class by scoring seven goals as they won their two remaining group games.

Women’s Olympic quarter-final fixtures

France v Brazil
Spain v Colombia
USA v Japan
Canada v Germany

The story so far

Like the men, France topped their group, although they weren’t quite as formidable as they lost to Canada. They’re looking to improve on their best-ever finish of fourth and they’ll fancy their chances.

The French are led by Paris Saint-Germain striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who has shown her quality so far at the games. The 25-year-old has scored 35 times for her country and she’s brought that pedigree to the Olympics, scoring five times in the group stage. They face Brazil who have never won gold, although they’ve claimed the silver medal on two occasions. They scraped through the groups in third place after losing twice.

Spain topped their group with three wins and they boast a talented squad, including two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner Alexia Putellas. They meet Colombia who, like Brazil, qualified as one of the best third-placed teams.

Elsewhere, four-time gold medal winners USA are among the favourites to win the tournament, although their last gold came back in 2012. They managed bronze in Tokyo and will be full of confidence after three wins in the group stage. They meet Japan in the quarter-finals, who they beat in the final in London 12 years ago.

Finally, Canada will take on Germany in the next round. Both sides finished as runners-up in their group, although the Canadians won all three games before being docked six points for illegal drone spying. They won gold three years ago but face a strong Germany side who have already beaten Australia 3-0 and Zambia 4-1.

Friday 26th July marks the start of the Olympic Games. Paris 2024 is finally upon us as athletes from all over the world will arrive in the French Capital with hopes and dreams of becoming the newest hero for their countries. Gold medals will be won and world records will fall, but who will come out on top in Paris and which events should you look out for? Here at Engage we take a look at all of the key dates to prepare for Paris 2024.

From the 26th July-11th August over 10,000 athletes and millions more fans will journey to Paris for the most famous sporting event in the world. 206 nations, 32 sports and 329 medals; who will make history and who will walk away disappointed? We have broken down some of the best events Engage offer hospitality for, so you don’t miss any of the action.

Opening Ceremony

Perhaps one of the most iconic scenes of the Olympic Games, the opening ceremony will take place on the 26th July, in particularly unique circumstances. For the first time in Olympic Summer Games history the opening ceremony will take place outside of a stadium and will be held on the River Seine. That’s right, the wire that runs through The City of Light will carry boats delegated for each nation, parading athletes along the famous river.

Millions are expected to spectate this one-of-a-kind ceremony and line the banks of the Seine. Do you want to wish the athletes a ‘bonne chance’? You can be there to do it in person. Be part of history with Engage Hospitality and check out their offers to watch this unique ceremony from the best seats in the house!

Swimming

The 27th July marks day 1, and it sees Adam Peaty begin his Olympic campaign as he looks to defend his title for the third consecutive year. Peaty will be eager to qualify through his 100m breaststroke heats and semi-final before advancing to the final on day 2.

The big race for Team GB swimming fans will come on day 4 as Team GB’s men go in the 4x200m freestyle relay. After silver in Rio and gold in Tokyo, the men will be hoping to defend their title in 2024 in a team consisting of big names including James Guy, Duncan Scott and Tom Dean.

For the women, Freya Colbert could be a medal favourite on day 3. The 20 year-old has already picked up world 400m medley gold and will be looking to repeat this feat in Paris. Meanwhile, the mixed 4x100m medley team will have to wait until day 8 to defend their Tokyo title.

Athletics

A whole host of promise awaits Team GB’s Athletics team as many of the Brits travel in the hope of a medal. The most sought after tickets will be for the evening session on day 9, with the men’s 100m final taking place. Millions all over the world will tune in to see who will be crowned current fastest man in the world, with Kishane Thompson and Noah Lyles labelled as the favourites.

Engage are also offering hospitality for day 13, 14 and 15. Day 13 sees the 200m final also with Noah Lyles featuring alongside Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes.

Day 14 sees the heptathlon final as Katarina Johnson Thompson hopes to challenge for the medals while the British 4x100m relay teams will hope to replicate success from previous championships.

Day 15 is a day of finals including the men’s 5000m final, men’s high jump final, men’s 800m final and the women’s 1500m final. Georgia Bell in the 1500 and Ben Pattison in the 800 will be amongst the medal hopes after their astonishing performances so far this season.

Tennis

Missed the chance to watch Wimbledon with us? Don’t worry, get yourself across to Roland Garros to watch the Olympic Tennis with Engage Hospitality. Offering hospitality for all four finals and more, Engage give you the opportunity to watch some of the best in action including Carlos Alcaraz, Iga Swiatek, Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff. Watch your favourites take centre stage, from the best seats in the house with the finals taking place on the 3rd and 4th August.

The Great British team ventures to Paris with 39 world champions in their ranks. Here at Engage, find out if Max Whitlock can achieve Pommel Horse gold once again in gymnastics or if Team GB’s track cycling team can keep up their success from previous years. Can Team GB improve on their 64 medals at Tokyo 2020? With plenty of events on offer, which will you choose to watch with Engage Hospitality between the 26th July and the 11th August?