Argentina Edge Ukraine but Settle for Second in Group B
Paris Olympics 2024: Thiago Almada and Claudio Echeverri’s goals secured a 2-0 victory for Argentina U-23 over Ukraine U-23, but it wasn’t enough to top Group B. Despite being pre-tournament favorites for gold, the Albiceleste finished second behind Morocco.
In a first half that saw just two shots on target, Argentina struck just two minutes after the break when Thiago Almada sent the ball beyond Kiril Fesiun’s reach.
Ukraine threatened to grab a point in the closing stages but Claudio Echeverri sealed victory in the first minute of injury time as he reacted quickest to Kevin Zenon’s spilled effort.
But in the 2nd game in Group B, Morocco swept aside Iraq as they ran out 3-0 winners as they took six points from three games to go top of the group ahead of Javier Mascherano.
Argentina will face the winners of Group A 16, which will be France, New Zealand or the United States.
