Argentina Faces Iraq in Do-or-Die Olympic Clash

Drama is in the air as Argentina prepares to take on Iraq in an important clash at the Olympics. Both teams need a win to either progress to the knockout stages or face elimination. Just three days ago, Argentina had a chaotic opening match where their coach called it the ‘biggest circus’ he has ever seen. They were denied a late equalizer by VAR, which resulted in a 90-minute delay due to security issues.

Iraq, on the other hand, is riding high after their impressive win against Ukraine, where they came out on top with a 2-1 victory. The last time Iraq reached the knockout stages was in 2004 when they played in the bronze medal match. However, they didn’t fare well in their last Olympic appearance in Rio 2016, finishing with three consecutive draws.

Interestingly, you have to go all the way back to the 2008 Beijing Games for the last time three-time FIFA champions Argentina scored in the first half of a match at the Olympics. Iraq has lost only two of their last ten group stage matches, giving them a competitive edge heading into this game.

These two nations don’t meet often, having faced each other only twice. Argentina ended victorious in a 4-0 friendly match six years ago, while Iraq won the only other match-up back in 1984, with a score of 2-0 at the Merlion Cup in Singapore.

Giuliano Simeone is eager to start after he made an impressive impact coming off the bench last match, scoring a goal and bringing Argentina back into contention. Meanwhile, veteran Mascherano will look to his star players to shake off any transfer rumors and focus on the match.

In a positive note for Argentina, there are no reported injuries ahead of this significant game.

The Iraqi squad also appears to be injury-free; however, players may experience some fatigue after their recent game. Aymen Hussein, who delivered a standout performance against Ukraine, is expected to start again, along with overage player Karrar Mohamed, who shined in the last match.

Argentina will likely field a lineup that includes Rulli, Garcia, Di Cesare, Otamendi, Soler, Simeone, Medina, Hezze, Almada, Beltran, and Alvarez.

On the other side, Iraq is expected to play Hassan, Saadon, Ojaimi, Tahseen, Reeshawee, Bayesh, K. Ali, H. Ali, Mohammed, Amyn, and Hussein.

Recently, Alvarez has contributed significantly to his club, scoring nineteen and providing thirteen assists in the 2023/24 season, leading them to multiple titles. Now, he needs to replicate that success on the national stage as they fight to avoid an early exit.

At 28 years old, Aymen Hussein scored in Iraq’s opening match of the tournament, marking a significant moment in his career as he represents his country for the first time at this level. Despite some previous controversies, he is looking to seize this opportunity and showcase his talent against Argentina.

This high-stakes match will take place in Lyon, at the Stade de Lyon, which is home to a Ligue 1 club and boasts a capacity of just under 60,000 seats.

Kicking off at 14:00 BST, fans in the United Kingdom can catch this crucial showdown live on Eurosport, available through Discovery+.