Thiago Almada led Argentina to qualification

Thiago Almada (left) was vital for Argentina’s qualification / Photo: AFA Press

Thiago Almada was once again instrumental in Argentina’s survival at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games by leading Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over Ukraine.

The Botafogo midfielder, one of the world champions in Lusail who were present at this Olympic event, turned the game around at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon at the start of the second half with a superbly executed shot from the edge of the area, with class and precision. Claudio ‘diablito’ Echeverri, who had replaced him, put the icing on the cake in extra time.

Almada’s goal brought some relief to the Albiceleste, who needed a draw to avoid a third consecutive Olympic knockout in the group stage, but given Morocco’s victory in the other group match, a goal from the Ukrainian team could have been fatal.

Slow start

Certainly, Ruslan Rotan’s team had hardly caused any danger. Argentina, with control of the possession, controlled well, but had not gotten too close to Kiril Fesiun’s area. They only did so on the edge of half-time with a shot from Julián Álvarez and with a breakaway from Luciano Gondou that the goalkeeper aborted in a one-on-one.

It had to be Almada who cleared things up for the team coached by Mascherano with his foresight and quality in placing the ball into the corner.

With the advantage, Argentina knew how to manage without too many alterations and with concentration in the rear, led by Nicolás Otamendi and Marco di Cesare, to abort almost all of the Ukrainian attempts against Gero Rulli.

Opportunism

The ‘little devil’ Echeverri, who had replaced the scorer in the 78th minute, took advantage of the time he had to finish the job by taking advantage of a rebound from the Ukrainian goalkeeper after a shot by Kevin Zenón.

The Argentine team, which had such a surreal start with the controversial defeat against Morocco, now awaits its opponent, which could be France in a duel that could be tremendous.

Paris / EFE