Portugal, Seeking First Olympic Medal, Beats Argentina 2-0 In Opener

Portugal defeated Group D rival Argentina 2-0 in their opening Olympic game in Rio di Janeiro on Thursday, thus beginning their bid for a medal on a positive note.

Portugal, Seeking First Olympic Medal, Beats Argentina 2-0 In Opener

The Portuguese won the UEFA Euro 2016 Championship last month, with 31-year-old star striker Cristiano Ronaldo sidelined for the majority of the final with a knee injury. The country also won the under-17 European title and nearly won the under-21 title last year as well.

Ronaldo could have participated in the Rio Games, given that three players over the age of 23 are allowed on each team. However, after playing at Euro 2016, the Real Madrid striker was never likely to play in a second tournament, especially one almost immediately following another.

“Everybody wants to be like him but first of all we must learn,” said 22-year-old striker Goncalo Paciencia, who scored Portugal’s opener against Argentina. “We are a good generation. Portugal’s reputation is going to get even higher,” Paciencia said through a translator.

Paciencia opened scoring for Portugal in the 66th minute. He met Bruno Fernandes’ cross at the edge of the penalty box and took a few touches before firing a low shot past goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who plays for Real Sociedad.

Argentina substitute Cristian Pavon took a shot that was saved by 21-year-old Portugal goalkeeper Bruno Varela in the 74th minute as Argentina looked to tie the game.

In the 84th minute, Portugal midfielder Pite scored on a long-range effort that was mishandled by Rulli. The Argentine goalie let the ball go between his legs and into the back of the net to bring the score to 2-0.

“Sometimes it happens. It’s the risk of being a goalkeeper,” Argentina coach Julio Olarticoachea said through a translator. “It’s not his fault we have lost.”

Argentina’s Giovanni Simeone had his shot saved off the line by a Portuguese defender in stoppage time.

Argentina, the Olympic soccer champion in 2004 and 2008, left with their heads hung low, suffering yet another stinging loss following their defeat in penalties to Chile in the Copa America Centenario final in June. The Argentines did not appear at the 2000 or 2012 Olympics.

Portugal wins three points following the victory, while Argentina remains at 0 points.

Earlier at the Olympic Stadium in Group D, Honduras beat Algeria 3-2. Portugal will next face Honduras on Sunday at 2pm E.T., while Argentina plays Algeria at 5pm E.T. on Sunday.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 04: Trabulo Pite of Portugal (L) and Mauricio Martinez of Argentina compete for the ball during the Men’s Group D first round match between Portugal and Argentina during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 4, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena