Goalkeeper 'falls flat', Argentina loses to Portugal at Olympics

Goalkeeper Rulli let the ball slip through his legs, contributing to the 0-2 defeat of the Argentine Olympic men's soccer team in their opening match on the evening of August 4.

The young generation of the new European champions got off to a good start at the Olympics. Photo: Reuters

Goals: Paciencia 66', Pite 84'

Rulli's mistake came in the 84th minute. Pite's long-range shot was not too difficult to catch, but the goalkeeper accidentally let the ball slip through the gap between his legs.

The humorous situation brought the goal that sealed the score 2-0 for Olympic Portugal. Before that, the European representative had taken the lead thanks to Paciencia's diagonal shot.

Rulli is only 24 years old and is currently one of the most promising goalkeepers in Argentina. In the past two seasons, this goalkeeper has continuously played for Sociedad in La Liga.

Argentina's 0-2 defeat was also a surprise in the first round of the Olympic men's football tournament. With many players playing in Europe, including Rulli and Angel Correa (Atletico Madrid), Argentina is considered a strong team.

Meanwhile, Portugal proved to be worthy of the victory. In the second half, this team dominated the game with a series of finishing situations towards Argentina's goal. The two goals from Paciencia and Pite were just the inevitable result of the uneven match.

With the win on the opening day, Portugal leads Group D with three points. Also on three points is Honduras, who beat Algeria 3-2 in the same match.

According to VNE