Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri helped Argentina safe a 2-0 win over Ukraine, however had been pressured to accept second place in Group B on the Paris Olympics.
Argentina had been among the many pre-tournament favourites to win their third gold medal, and their particular person high quality within the closing third finally shone by in Lyon.
In a primary half that noticed simply two pictures on the right track, Argentina struck simply two minutes after the break as Almada despatched a curling effort past the grasp of Kiril Fesiun.
Ukraine threatened to grab a degree within the closing levels, however Echeverri secured the win within the first minute of harm time as he was quickest to react to Kevin Zenon’s spilled effort.
However within the different sport in Group B, Morocco swept apart Iraq as they emerged 3-0 victors, notching six factors from their three video games to high the group forward of Javier Mascherano’s aspect.
Argentina will face the winners of Group A within the final 16, which can be one in every of France, New Zealand or the US.
#JuegosOlímpicos #Paris2024
@Argentina 2 (Thiago Almada y Claudio Echeverri) #Ucrania 0
¡Closing del partido!
Nos vemos el viernes en cuartos de closing pic.twitter.com/mbMsw6lGSj
— Selección Argentina (@Argentina) July 30, 2024
Information Debrief: Argentina’s particular person high quality the distinction
Almada’s beautiful strike got here with an anticipated targets (xG) of 0.03, as soon as once more showcasing his high quality that has seen him shine for Atlanta United within the MLS this season.
Regardless of being the event’s oldest participant, Nicolas Otamendi placed on one other spectacular show on the reverse finish of the pitch.
The 36-year-old had essentially the most touches (96), extra correct passes (85) and highest go accuracy (97.7%) than anybody on the pitch.
