POST MATCH

Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri were the dynamic duo that propelled Argentina to a thrilling 2-0 victory over Ukraine, ensuring a second-place finish in Group B at the Paris Olympics! Despite not clinching the top spot, Argentina showcased their exceptional talent, living up to their pre-tournament billing as one of the favorites for a third gold medal.

The match in Lyon was a testament to Argentina's prowess, especially in the attacking third. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams managing only two shots on target. However, the game burst into life just two minutes after the break when Almada unleashed a sublime curling shot that sailed beyond the reach of Kiril Fesiun, putting Argentina ahead.

As the clock ticked down, Ukraine mounted a late surge, desperate to salvage a point. But Echeverri dashed their hopes in the first minute of injury time, pouncing on a rebound from Kevin Zenon's shot to double Argentina's lead and seal the victory.

Meanwhile, in the other Group B clash, Morocco delivered a dominant performance, cruising to a 3-0 triumph over Iraq. This result saw Morocco top the group with six points from three games, relegating Javier Mascherano's Argentina to second place despite their valiant efforts.

Looking ahead, Argentina is set for a tantalizing last-16 showdown against the winners of Group A, which will be one of France, New Zealand, or the United States. The stage is set for more electrifying action as Argentina continues its quest for Olympic glory.

Data Debrief: Argentina's Individual Brilliance Shines

Almada's spectacular goal had an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.03, underscoring his extraordinary skill that has made him a standout for Atlanta United in the MLS this season. On the defensive end, the veteran Nicolas Otamendi, despite being the oldest player in the tournament at 36, delivered a masterclass. He had the most touches (96), completed the most accurate passes (85), and boasted the highest pass accuracy (97.7%) of anyone on the pitch, proving that age is just a number when it comes to his enduring quality.

With such a blend of youthful flair and seasoned expertise, Argentina's journey in the Paris Olympics promises to be an exhilarating spectacle!