Olympic Men’s Football Report: Almada Scores a Stunning Goal, Echeverry Nets as Argentina U23 Easily Defeats Ukraine U23

In the 48th minute, Almada embarked on a long run with the ball, advancing to the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a powerful shot that flew into the top corner, giving Argentina U23 the lead, 1-0!

In the first minute of stoppage time, Bertone’s shot from outside the box was saved by Fesun, but Echeverry arrived just in time to slot home the rebound, extending Argentina U23’s lead to 2-0!

On July 30 at 23:00, in the third round of Group B of the 2024 Paris Olympic men’s football tournament, Argentina U23 faced off against Ukraine U23.

In the 5th minute of the first half, Medina delivered a precise through ball. Simonini made a run down the right flank and sent in a cross from an inverted triangle position, but Krypovsky cleared it in time.

In the 8th minute, Fernández crossed from the right, and Gondou headed the ball, which was saved by Fesun’s diving effort, denying Argentina U23 a good chance.

In the 10th minute, Otamendi played a long pass to start an attack. Simonini backheeled the ball, and Álvarez took a powerful shot from outside the box that went just over the crossbar.

In the 17th minute, Krešić delivered a cross from a set piece on the left, and Batagov followed up with a shot that was brilliantly blocked by Díaz.

In the 26th minute, Blagaru cut inside from the left and delivered a 45-degree cross. Khran attempted an acrobatic diving header but missed, sparing Argentina U23 from conceding.

In the 28th minute, Medina played the ball centrally, and Simonini crossed into the box, but Martinik cleared the danger.

In the 40th minute, Álvarez played a counter-attacking through ball. Simonini controlled the ball and dribbled past a defender before taking a low shot that was saved by Fesun.

In the 42nd minute, it was Almada’s turn to play a through ball. Simonini had a near one-on-one situation and struck the ball, which went just wide of the post.

In the 44th minute, Álvarez calmly played a through ball from the edge of the box. Gondou raced forward and unleashed a strong shot, but Fesun came out to block it, causing a scare for Ukraine U23’s defense.

In stoppage time, Rubynskyi fired a powerful shot from 30 meters out, but Rulli made a flying save to deny him.

The first half ended with Argentina U23 temporarily drawing 0-0 with Ukraine U23.

In the 68th minute, Krešić broke into the penalty area from the left and took a powerful shot, but Rulli was able to make the save.

In the 74th minute, Krasnopil received a clever pass and unleashed a powerful shot from close range, but Díaz made a crucial block.

The score remained unchanged for the remainder of the match. Argentina defeated Ukraine 2-0 and advanced to the quarterfinals alongside Morocco.

Ukraine U23 Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

12-Fesun; 4-Talovyeyorov; 16-Batagov; 3-Martinik (replaced by 6-Sych in the 68th minute); 2-Krypovsky; 8-Mikhaylenko (replaced by 17-Fedor in the 59th minute); 5-Rubynskyi; 11-Khran (replaced by 15-Vladyten in the 78th minute); 10-Blagaru (replaced by 7-Ocheretko in the 59th minute); 14-Sikan (replaced by 9-Krasnopil in the 59th minute); 18-Krešić;

Undeployed Substitutes: 1-Yermakov; 13-Saliuk;

Argentina U23 Starting Lineup (4-4-2):

1-Rulli; 16-Otamendi; 2-Díaz; 13-Luján; 3-Soler (replaced by 7-Zenón in the 67th minute); 10-Almada (replaced by 11-Echeverry in the 81st minute); 8-Medina; 5-Fernández (replaced by 6-Amien in the 68th minute); 17-Simonini; 9-Álvarez (replaced by 18-Bertone in the 81st minute); 15-Gondou (replaced by 14-Jhesé in the 59th minute);

Undeployed Substitutes: 12-Brey; 4-García;