Argentina avoided a third consecutive group stage exit at the Olympic football tournament by defeating Ukraine 2-0 at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon, reaching the quarter-finals for the first time since 2008.
Heading into matchday three, Group B was wide open, with all four teams tied on three points each. Argentina, leading on goal difference, dominated the early play, though converting their dominance into scoring opportunities proved challenging.
Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez was a constant threat in the first half, with his best chance being a curler from the edge of the area that went wide. The first half, devoid of shots on target until the 42nd minute, suddenly became lively in its closing moments.
Alvarez, set up by Thiago Almada, narrowly missed at the near post, and Luciano Gondou was denied in a one-on-one with the Ukrainian goalkeeper. Ukraine’s Ilya Krupskyi also tested Argentina’s Geronimo Rulli with a powerful strike just before halftime.
At halftime, Morocco led Iraq 3-0 in the group’s other fixture, placing Argentina in a strong position heading into the second half, ahead of Ukraine on goal difference.
Argentina’s lead was secured within two minutes of the restart when Almada unleashed a powerful long-range shot that beat Ukrainian goalkeeper Kiril Fesiun.
Ukraine struggled to respond after conceding so quickly, with substitutions failing to spark a comeback. The Argentine defense, which had not kept a clean sheet in their previous two games, held firm.
Ukraine’s elimination was confirmed in stoppage time when Claudio Echeverri scored on the rebound, ensuring Argentina advanced to the knockout stages, potentially facing hosts France next.
Despite Argentina’s victory, Morocco’s 3-0 win over Iraq secured them the top spot in the group.
