The Argentina U-23 team played in the ‘Do or Die’ match to secure a ticket to the Paris Olympics. Even against arch-rivals Brazil U-23 team.
The Albiceleste won the match 1-0 by handling such pressure.
Javier Macherano’s disciples confirmed the ticket to the Paris Olympics by making Brazil cry. Brazil had a great start though. However, 22 minutes before the end of the match, Argentinian forward Luciano Gundo’s head was destroyed by Seleção.Argentina left the field with that one goal.
The first half was scoreless. Even in the second half, the young Argentines could not break the defense of Brazil. Even after 77 minutes of the game, no ball touched the net. Many thought the match was headed for a goalless draw. Brazil fans would be happy with this. Because, even if it was a draw, Brazil could have kept hope alive.
However, Argentina could have scored in 15 minutes. Captain Thiago Almada’s superb free-kick rebounded off the bar. In the first half, however, Brazil did not show much surprise. Argentina’s defense was not tested much. In the 18th minute, they took the first shot on goal. It wasn’t on target though. Brazil’s best chances came in the 60th and 62nd minutes. But Argentinian goalkeeper Brey disappointed the Selecao. First, Gabriel Peck’s shot was saved by Bray. After a couple of minutes, he also disappointed John Kennedy.
Brazil had a great start, but Argentina showed poor performance throughout the match. Apart from the winning goal, they dominated the duel on the field. Javier Macherano’s Argentina had 61 percent possession and had 14 shots, 3 of which were on target. Brazil on the other hand took 9 shots and they also put 3 shots on target like Argentina. But the team failed to get the required goal.
