Argentina wins and qualifies in men's football

It wasn't what they expected, but the Argentina remains alive in search of the third gold medal in men's football in Olympics. The sky-blue team entered the field depending only on itself to qualify in first place in Group B. But the Argentines were stopped by the strong defense of Ukrainewho managed to neutralize the main attacks of the team led by Javier Mascherano. And it wasn't for lack of trying. Still looking for the first goal in this Olympic Gamesthe attacker Julian Alvarezstar of the Manchester Cityreceived a beautiful backheel pass from Giovanni Simeone and kicked it with placement, looking for the angle but the ball went over the goal. Ukraine's first attempt was high. Braharu made a good play on the left and crossed dangerously, by very little Khlan failed to head the ball. The heat somewhat affected the athletes' performance at the stadium. Lyonwith the thermometers showing 37 degrees. So much so that after the break for hydration, the game improved considerably. In the 39th minute, Julián Álvarez gave a great pass to Simeone, who cleared the marking well and shot for the goalkeeper to firmly save Fesyun. Despite the danger, the assistant had already flagged the Argentine attack as offside. Two minutes later, Álvarez had another good chance, but his shot was pressed and the ball went out for a corner. At 43, it was Álvarez's turn to serve Luciano Gondouwho came face to face with the goalkeeper, but Feysun came out well and smothered the striker's shot. Gondou was full of desire and in the last play of the first half he noticed the goalkeeper was ahead and tried to score from the middle of the field, however, without success.

The game changed dynamics right at the beginning of the second half. And thanks to the new reinforcement of Botafogo. Thiago Almada dominated the central area of ​​the field, advanced unmarked and shot from outside the area, into the corner, with no chance of defense to open the scoring for Argentina. After the goal, Ukraine went on the attack, and it was Argentina's turn to defend. At 22 minutes Kryskiv hit from outside the area for a calm save by Rulli. Then, on a ball lifted into the area, Kryskiv was unable to control it and Krasnopirwho had just entered, hit a dangerous shot, but the Argentine defense managed to block it. From then on, the Argentine team managed to maintain possession of the ball and control Ukraine's attacks well. And in the last minute of regulation time, the Argentines extended their lead. Zenón hits the ball from outside the area, the goalkeeper saves it and Claudio Echeverri sent it to the goal. Final 2 to 0.

In the other Group B game, Morocco defeated the Iraqi national team 3-0. Moroccans and Argentines finished the first phase with 6 points, but the African team had the advantage in goal difference, and therefore advanced as the group's top team. In the quarter-finals, Argentina will face the first-placed team in Group A.