ARG vs UKR – Olympics 2024– Here's What You Need to Know

The 2024 Paris Olympics are up & underway, and one of the most anticipated disciplines has already thrown several curveballs at fans.

Olympic Football began with a shocker, as favorites Argentina succumbed to a surprising 2-1 defeat at the hands of Morrocco. However, La Albiceleste bounced back with a routine 3-1 victory over Iraq. Manchester City star, Julian Alvarez, played a star turn in Argentina’s victory, as he set up Thiago Almada’s opening goal. However, Iraq’s captain Aymen Hussien equalized seconds before the half-time whistle.

Substitute Luciano Gondou restored Argentina’s lead in the 62nd minute, before Ezquiel Fernandez added a third for La Albiceleste in the 84th minute. 

Tight at the Top

This crucial victory means that Argentina sits atop Pool B with 3 points. However, Ukraine, Iraq and Morrocco are all breathing down their neck. All four teams in Pool B are tied, each having won one game and lost one.

With Argentina taking on Ukraine and Morrocco facing Iraq tomorrow, Pool B will surely have a grandstand finish. But will the tournament favorites Argentina prevail, or would Ukraine prove to be too stern off a test?

Ukraine – A Formidable Foe

Like Argentina, Ukraine’s Olympic campaign also began with a shocker, as a less-fancied Iraq team secured a 2-1 victory in their opening match. However, Ukraine’s quality and resilience was on full display, winning their second group stage match against in-form Morrocco. Midfielder Dmytro Kryshiv opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, before Soufiane Rahimi converted a contentious penalty in the 64th minute.

However, Ukraine’s constant pressure finally paid off in the 98th minute, as Igor Krasnopir lashed in a late winner to keep Ukraine’s Olympic dreams alive.

Now, Ukraine will go up against Javier Mascherano's men in a crucial, winner-takes-all match with far-reaching consequences. Who would come out on top?

Argentina vs Ukraine – Predicted Lineups

It goes without saying that both, Argentina and Ukraine, will field strong lineups. However, Ukraine’s would have to deal with the absence of their defensive mainstay, Volodymyr Salyuk. The 22-year-old defender received a straight red in their previous match versus Morrocco.

Maksym Talovierov could deputize in Salyuk’s place. The 24-year-old Ukrainian is an able replacement for Salyuk, as he made a late cameo against Serbia in the recently concluded 2024 Euros. Apart from Volodymyr Salyuk, Ukraine is at full strength.

La Albiceleste also go into this crucial game with key players missing. Fiorentina forward, Lucas Beltran, was forced off injured against Iraq on Saturday. As a result, Beltran is a major doubt for Tuesday’s game.

If Beltran fails to recover, Diego Simione’s 22-year-old son, Guiliano, could replace Beltran. Besides Lucas Beltran, Javier Mascherano will have all his key players at his disposal.

Argentina’s predicted lineup: Rulli, Garcia, Di Cesare, Otamendi, Soler, Fernandez, Medina, Hezze, Almada, Simeone, Alvarez

Ukraine’s predicted lineup: Fesyun, Krupskyi, Talovierov, Batagov, Martinyuk, Khlan, Rubchynskyi, Mykhailenko, Bragaru, Kryskiv, Sikan

Argentina vs Ukraine: Head-to-Head

Despite their rich footballing histories and vibrant fan cultures, this will be the first time Argentina and Ukraine meet on the international stage. Furthermore, the 2024 Paris Olympics marks Ukraine’s debut in men's football at the Olympics.

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