If the first day at Paris 2024 is anything to go by, sports fans are in for quite a thrilling ride over the next couple of weeks, with both on- and off-field events proving as interesting as they were controversial in many respects – and the Olympics aren’t even officially underway yet.
Day “minus two” saw the rugby sevens and men’s football get underway, with the latter seeing a pitch invasion, the stadium cleared, an injury-time equaliser ruled out, and the final minutes played behind closed doors, culminating in Argentina losing to Morocco – and all that was after the Canada Women’s team had sent home two staff members for spying on a rival’s training session.
Away from the football, more reaction from Charlotte Dujardin’s fall from grace continued, and now Paula Radcliffe has raised eyebrows by suggesting she wishes “the best of luck” to a convicted child rapist who is competing at the Games this month.
It’s quite the collection of incidents before the official opening ceremony even takes place – and on Thursday we’re bringing you the start of women’s football, more rugby sevens plus two sessions of archery and women’s handball getting underway. Follow the live blog below for all the latest news and updates from Paris:
Paris 2024 Olympics | Latest events and news
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Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
A missed tackle from the USA allows Nathan Lawson to break the line and offload the ball to James Turner who touches the ball down for the opening try of the game.
Two minutes to go in the first half.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:36
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Here we go then. The final rugby sevens quarter-final of the evening sees Australia taking on the USA. The Aussies are massive favorites, but there is enough ability within the US squad for an upset.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:30
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Disaster for Ireland. They controlled the first half, led for most of the second, but a 60-second burst of fortune and flamboyance has sent them out of the Olympics.
Fiji joins South Africa and France in the semi-finals. One match to go tonight.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:24
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Try! Fiji isn’t done yet. They’re so flamboyant and quick. A team move of 95 meters ends with a flying try over the right wing.
The conversion is missed, but from the kick-off Waisea Nacuqu takes advantage of a high ball and darts between the sticks to send the Olympic champions into the lead!
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:20
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Rugby sevens is all about possession. If you can keep it, then the clock runs down and adds more pressure on your opponents. Ireland is very good at keeping possession.
Four and a half minutes to go.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:16
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
A burst of pace from the Irish sees them dart inside, and skip a tackle before sending the ball out to Zac Ward on the left wing. He sprints down the line and gets held up.
Twice they attempt to force their way over the line before Ward himself leaps and grounds the ball. They move further ahead.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:15
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Fiji kicks off the second half with Ireland taking possession. They work it out to the right-wing and attempt to find some space. Fiji’s defense is incredibly strong, and they’re keeping Ireland pinned inside their own half.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:13
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Another one! Right on the stroke of halftime, Ireland drops over for a second try and takes a slim lead into the half-time break. Could they possibly knock out the Olympic champions?
It’s been a fabulous first half for them.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:11
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Fiji gets themselves over the line inside the opening minute before the perfect response from the Irish. Strength and flexibility from Chay Mullins see him bomb through the defense and ground the ball on the stretch.
Ireland misses the conversion and still trails by two.
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:07
Olympics 2024: Rugby sevens quarter-finals
Two matches down and two to go. Ireland is up against it with their opponents the reigning Olympic champions. How will they go tonight?
Mike Jones25 July 2024 21:02
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