Argentina crashed out of the 2016 Rio Olympics in the men’s event, losing out to Honduras on goals difference. South Americans have been winning gold in the Olympic soccer tournament in the men’s category for years now, and they have an impressive record in the age grade competitions generally.
Argentina is one of such countries; they ended up picking the gold medal at their last two appearances at the tournament in Athens, Greece and Beijing, China. Argentina did not qualify for the London 2012 tournament, despite their 2004 and 2008 success. They came into the tournament as one of the top favourites to lift the title, but ended up being ousted in the group stage.
In the first round of games in the group, Argentina lost to Portugal 2-0, while Honduras defeated Algeria 3-2. In the second round of games, Portugal defeated Honduras 2-1, and Argentina picked up their first win, defeating Algeria 2-0. Going into the final round of games, Portugal were group leaders with six points, Honduras had three points, Argentina had three points, and Algeria had none.
The Olympics betting had Argentina as one of the early favourites, but when Argentina played Honduras in the final game it was all in the balance, with the victors set to pick up the quarter final ticket, joining Portugal who had qualified already.
Argentina flunked the chance to open scoring when Angel Correa missed his spot kick in the 54th minute. Anthony Lozano converted his own penalty in the 75th minute, the second opportunity for Honduras. They held on to the goal hoping to get a victory but Mauricio Martinez equalized from a free kick in stoppage time.
At the end, both teams ended with four points each but Honduras had a goal difference of 0 while Argentina had -1. On that basis, they were knocked out of the tournament.
