For the quarter-finals of the football tournament of the Olympic Games Paris 2024the Argentina National Team fell before France by 1 to 0 after 90 minutes. The only goal of the match was scored by Jean-Philippe Mateta 4 minutes into the first half. In this way, Mascherano’s team was eliminated.
Analysing the match, France managed to make it 1-0 thanks to a header from Mateta in their first attacking move. The home team then came close to increasing the lead. Although little by little Argentina moved forward on the field of play and had some approaches.
In the second half a very curious event took place. Javier Mascherano replaced Bruno Amione with Julio Soler. But shortly after the coach decided to take the left back out in place of Luciano Gondou.On the other hand, France managed to score 2-0 although their goal was disallowed by the WAS. While Argentina already played on the attack, it had some clear chances.
But it was not enough. This is how the Albiceleste’s campaign in Paris ended. As an additional fact, once the defeat was confirmed, some players from both teams began to argue and had to be separated. The story would even have continued in the locker room.
Argentina closed its campaign with two wins and two losses. The Olympic Games semi-finals have been confirmed: France vs. Egypt and Morocco vs. Spain. The winners will compete in the grand final, while the losers will face off in the match for third place.
The reaction of the fans
In light of the painful elimination, users on social media are sharing all kinds of negative reactions. Most are questioning Mascherano, considering that he should not continue to be in charge of the youth teams.. Several also criticize Soler’s modification as previously shared.
While on the positive side some fans highlight players like Equi Fernandezwho has a great chance of leaving Boca and continuing his career in Saudi Arabia, already Julian Simeonwho until these Olympic Games had played very few minutes with Argentina.