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The inaugural Olympic marathon race walk mixed relay witnessed a thrilling victory for Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez, who claimed the gold medal. The event marked the debut of the mixed relay at the Paris Olympics 2024, replacing the 50 km race walk. Ecuador and Australia secured the silver and bronze medals, respectively.However, the race was marred by allegations of rule violations, with viewers claiming that some athletes lifted their feet off the ground during the walk. "Not convinced these competitors in the walk race aren't cheating. Looks very much to me like they're jogging," commented user Wullie M. Sports journalist Rob Williams expressed his frustration, stating, "Nothing infuriates me more than race walk cheaters."According to the race walking rules, one foot of the athlete must remain in contact with the ground at all times, visible to the human eye. Additionally, the knee of the advanced leg must not bend, and the leg must straighten as the body passes over it. Race walkers are closely monitored and can be penalized for bending their knees during the race.India's hopes for a strong performance in the event were dashed when their team, consisting of Suraj Panwar and Priyanka Goswami, failed to finish the final. The team received multiple warnings during the race, ultimately leading to their disqualification. This setback marked a disappointment for the Indian athletics contingent, which had high expectations for the event.

India's valiant effort against Germany in the semi-final of the Tokyo Olympics ended in a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat. Despite the setback, the team remains determined to secure a bronze medal, a feat they haven't achieved in 52 years.The bronze playoff will pit India against Spain, a team coached by Max Caldas, a former Argentina defender who has implemented a Dutch-style approach. Caldas's strategy emphasizes midfield control and rapid flank attacks, a style that has proven effective in Spain's recent victories over Germany and Belgium.In contrast, India has adopted a more European style under coach Craig Fulton, focusing on short passes and possession. However, Fulton has also prioritized defense, an area where India has traditionally struggled. This defensive emphasis has paid off, as evidenced by India's resolute performance against Great Britain in the quarter-final.The Indian defense has been particularly adept at intercepting balls and launching counterattacks, resulting in several penalty corners. With the return of Amit Rohidas, who was suspended for the quarter-final, India's defense will be further strengthened.Historically, India has a slight edge over Spain, winning four of their last 10 encounters. However, Spain's recent form, including their victory over Belgium, makes them a formidable opponent.Both India and Spain will be eager to return home with a medal. For India, it would be their first successive Olympic medal since 1972. For Spain, it would be their first since 2008. The bronze playoff promises to be a thrilling contest between two contrasting coaching styles and determined teams.

The Netherlands, the world's top-ranked men's hockey team, secured their place in the Paris Olympics final on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, with a dominant 4-0 victory over Spain. The Dutch, who had faced a tough challenge from Spain in the group stage, showcased their clinical precision and tactical prowess in this crucial match.The match began with a flurry of attacks from both sides, but it was the Netherlands who broke the deadlock in the 12th minute. Jip Janssen converted a penalty stroke after Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado fouled forward Tjep Hoedemakers. The goal ignited the Dutch crowd, who had turned out in force to support their team.The Netherlands continued to press forward, and their efforts were rewarded in the 20th minute when Thierry Brinkman netted the second goal. Brinkman collected a rebound off Spanish defender Ignacio Rodriguez's stick and blasted the ball into the back of the net.The third quarter saw the Dutch extend their lead further. Thijs van Dam found himself with plenty of space in the circle after two Spanish defenders collided, and he made no mistake in sinking his shot. The crowd erupted in cheers once again in the 50th minute when Duco Telgenkamp scored the team's fourth goal.Spain, despite their valiant efforts, were unable to find a way past the Dutch defense. The Netherlands goalkeeper, Maurits Visser, made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.The victory marks a significant milestone for the Netherlands, who are seeking their first Olympic gold medal in men's hockey since 1996. They will face the winner of the other semifinal between Australia and Germany in the final on August 8.Spain, on the other hand, will have a chance to compete for a medal in the bronze medal match. They will face the loser of the Australia-Germany semifinal.