Argentina dumped out by Honduras draw

Argentina dumped out by Honduras draw

August 11, 2016
Argentina's player react after Argentina failed to qualify beyond the group stage after a Group D match of the men's Olympic football tournament against Honduras in Brasilia Wednesday. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. — AP
Argentina's player react after Argentina failed to qualify beyond the group stage after a Group D match of the men's Olympic football tournament against Honduras in Brasilia Wednesday. The match ended in a 1-1 tie. — AP

RIO DE JANEIRO — Crisis-struck Argentine football suffered another blow Wednesday when the two-time Olympic gold medalist was dumped out of the Rio Games at the group stages following a 1-1 draw with Honduras.

Argentina needed to win to secure a place in the last eight due to its inferior goal difference with the Hondurans after both had lost to Portugal and beat Algeria in their opening two Group D matches.

However, the Central Americans sprung a huge surprise as Antony Lorenzo's penalty 15 minutes from time put it in front in Brasilia and, despite Mauricio Martinez's equalizer deep into stoppage time, Argentina bowed out in embarrassing fashion.

The Albiceleste's chances were severely hampered by chaotic preparation for the Games.

Coach Julio Olarticoechea was put in charge just weeks before the tournament began after Gerardo Martino resigned citing power squabbles at the Argentine Football Association and clubs not releasing players for the Olympics.

Host Brazil hopes to avoid the same fate as its eternal rival later Wednesday when it takes on Denmark in Salvador needing to win to guarantee its place in the last eight.


August 11, 2016
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