Did you know that Argentina U - 23 squad has won 2 gold medals and Silver Medals? Or that they outclassed their opponents with a margin of 9 goals in just their first match? Intrigued? Let’s dig deeper. Did you know...
1. That Javier Mascherano is the U-23 squad Legend
The current Barcelona Defender has played the maximum number of matches for the side.He was a part of 2 gold medal winning sides and during the 4 years he represented the Argentina team, he made a total of 18 appearances.
Impressive Isn’t it?
2. That Lionel Messi and Sergio Agüero were a part of the side
In the 2008 edition of the Olympics, the diminutive forwards were a part of the side that ended up picking up the gold medal in Beijing! Both the players managed to net 2 goals in 5 appearances each helping their side win.
Well it seems like they were giving us a small of hint of their capabilities!
3. That Hernan Crespo is also a legend!
Crespo ended the tournament as the highest scorer when managed to get past the keeper 6 times in the entire tournament. He first scored in Argentina’s win over USA then he scored a brace against Portugal and Spain to help his side into the Finals where he netted a penalty in the 50th Minute. Argentina won the silver medal thanks to the heroics of Nigerians Amokachi and Amuneke who helped their side comeback from 2 – 1 to win 3 – 2
Interesting how one player can change the course of the tournament!
4. That they won most of South American Pre Olympic Tournaments
Of the total 10 times they participated between 1960 – 2004, the young Argentine players managed to get the Albiceleste in the top 3 position 9 times! They finished 1st on 4 occasions, 2nd on 2 occasions and 3rd on 3 occasions!
They mean business and they show that with their consistency on the pitch!
5. That Domingo Tarasconi is also a Legend
The Argentine represented the side in the 1928 Olympics, when the Argentina side won the Silver Medal. The Forward managed to get past the keeper on 10 occasions, including the finals.
Incredible! Don’t you think so?
6. That they wont their first by scoring 9 more than opponents
The squad played their first match on the 29th of May, 1928 against USA. The final score read 11 – 2 in the favour of Albiceleste! Domingo Tarasconi scored 4 goals Roberto Cherro a hat-trick and Raimondo Orsi and Manuel Ferreira scored a brace each to humble to hapless USA side.
What a way to begin!
7. That Argentina did not participate in the tournament on two occasions
The South American side was not a part of the tournament on multiple occasions. They did not participate in the 1936, 1948, 1952 and 1956 editions and then the in the 1968, 1972, 1976, 1980 and 1984 Olympics.
Makes you wonder how many of those they would have won!
8. That Tevez is also a legend!
The diminutive striker played with the U-23 side during the 2004 Olympics. Then 20 years of age, the forward was the top scorer of the tournament when he got past keepers on 6 occasions. Argentina won the Gold medal and Carlos Tevez definitely played a huge role in it.
He managed to net 13 goals in 76 appearances for the senior side!
9. They have quite the Silverware
The Under-23 team has won 2 gold medals in the Olympics and 2 Silvers! In 1928, the team won a Silver Medal in the first tournament losing out to Uruguay in the replay of the Finals! The last medal they won was in the 2008 edition when the young Albiceleste team won gold in Beijing.
Amazing!
10. That Argentina – U 23 did not win anything for 68 years
The team that won silver medal in 1928 took 68 years to win another Silver Medal in 1996! They did not participate in 8 editions in between and were knocked out of the Quarters in 1988 when they lost 1 – 0 to Brazil. They were also knocked out of the 1960 and 1964 editions of the Olympics in the first round itself.
Thought Provoking! Just imagine how many trophies they could have won had they participated! Or what their record would look like!
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