The Pumas 7s defeated Samoa in their second match in Paris and moved on to the quarter-finals

Luciano Gonzalez came on and made the difference. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

The Pumas arrived with a hard-earned victory, which they were able to consolidate only at the end, unlike what was expected in their debut against Kenya. The nerves of the first match, the will and physical power of the Africans meant that they were able to define the match just two minutes from the end. Meanwhile, Samoa had lost in their debut against Australia, by 21 to 14, and needed to seek a victory to be able to continue with chances of being among the best. In this way, Argentines and Samoans went out to play their second match of the day in these Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The whistle of Uruguayan Francisco González started the match and off they went, Santiago Gómez Cora’s men in search of qualification, with Pellandini coming in for “El Turco” Schulz compared to the debut.

The match started with the national team dominating and possessing the ball, and after a few passes and when it seemed that the ball was going wide, Matías “Tute” Osacdzuk put it forward with his left foot and ended up scoring under the goalposts. Pellandini’s conversion made it 7-0 for Los Pumas Seven.

Argentina played the ball into the back of the net and waited for them to defend, they did not fight for possession up front and let Samoa go deep and in one of those Tobias Wade defended it with just enough tackling and from there the counterattack came, so that Matteo “La Garza” Graziano scored the second try for Gómez Cora’s team. Pellandini’s goal put the score at 14-0.

Samoa went looking for the discount and found themselves with the defensive tackles of captain Álvarez Fourcade, and with a brilliant “Tute” Osadczuk, who dived headfirst to take the ball away with one hand to set up Pellandini who with his run supported and also added the conversion to go to the break 19-0.

The second half to confirm the victory

Samoa went to burn their bridges and Argentina stood firm once again, their sleight of hand and patience showed that the imprecise debut had been forgotten and a Gómez Cora team was seen, secure, solid, mature and firm, looking for their moment to continue adding points. Thus came a new try for Los Pumas Sevens with Matías Osadczuk supporting the fourth conquest, which added to the conversion of Pellandini put the partial score at 28-0 and settled the dispute.

That was when Argentina changed and Samoa was able to break the Argentine defense for the first time at 3.40 when Apelu Maliko scored. Neuleli Leitufia’s goal made the score 28-7. The changes continued, and the patience and maturity of Los Pumas Seven was no longer so clear.

Matias Osadczuk, one of the Argentine stars. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

The match was already decided and Samoa were looking to close the gap in order to have a chance the next day as the best third-placed team. Gómez Cora’s men, meanwhile, were looking to gain possession, which they were not in control of at this point. This is how Samoa’s next goal came with a try scored by Neueli Leitufia to make it 28-12, which was how the match ended.

The Pumas were different, they played from strength to strength and qualified among the eight best in the tournament. Tomorrow at 9:30 they will define their position in the group when they face Australia hoping to repeat the first half with Samoa.

The teams

The Pumas Seven: 1. Joaquin Pellandini, 4. Matteo Graziano, 5. Augustin Fraga, 6. Santiago Alvarez Fourcade (captain), 7. Tobias Wade, 9. Matias Osadczuk, and 10. Santiago Mare.

Coach: Santiago Gomez Cora.

Substitutes: 2. Tomas Elizalde, 3. German Schulz, 8. Gaston Revol, 11. Luciano Gonzalez Rizzoni, and 12. Marcos Moneta.

Samoa: 2. Alamanda Motuga, 4 Motu Opetai, 7. Lalomilo, 8. Neueli Leitufia, 10. Paul Scanlan, 11. Steve Onosai and 12. Vaa Apelu Maliko (captain)

Substitutes: 1. Vavasa Hafa Sua. 3. Telefoni Lima Bj, 5. Tom Maiava, 6. Tanuuu Niulevea, y 9. Faafoi Franiko