Argentina bids farewell to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The Argentine National Team lost 34-27 to Egypt, in a very even match that was defined in the final minutes. This was the culmination of their Olympic participation in Paris 2024, the fourth Olympic Games for the Gladiators. After four consecutive defeats, Argentina was looking to bid farewell to Paris in the best possible way. With passages of good handball and playing against the last African champions, Argentina played its best game in these Olympic Games. It was a very even match where Los Gladiadores had a 4 goal advantage in the first half. But the Pharaohs, who needed to win the match to avoid a meeting with Denmark, were able to close the gap. The first half ended 15-14 for the Albiceleste with a late goal by Pablo Simonet.

The second half was very similar to the first. There was no difference and the game was goal for goal, with the two teams alternating the lead of the match. In the last 15 minutes, Argentina, with handling errors and lack of effectiveness in the opponent’s goal, allowed the Africans to break the game in their favor and take the victory.

THE END OF A STAGE

Federico Fernandez and Federico Pizarro, top scorers of Los Gladiadores and two historic players in the Argentine jersey, are retiring from the Argentine National Team after their fourth Olympic Games.

Federico Fernandez: “For me it is a closure. It was my last game with the national team. I’m proud of everything I did, I helped the team get this far and now it’s time for the guys who are pushing from behind to take their place. I have no more. I cry but I have nothing more to give to this national team, I will keep the beautiful moments. Defending these colors was my life. I was always a very willing player to be here and it is the best. Today I’m leaving empty.    Norway vs Argentina, Paris 2024 © Sasa Pahic Szabo / kolektiffFedericoPizarro: “I am happy to leave, it was many years, many trips and many battles. It’s logical to leave, I have a lot more handball left but in the national team it’s over. It is time to let the new crop begin to form a new group, consolidate and look for a new identity, hopefully following in our footsteps. There are a lot of guys who are going to stay and hopefully in Lima they will achieve a new qualification and Los Gladiadores will be able to be in Los Angeles 2028. They can count on me for anything and I will be the first one cheering for them”.  The South American participation in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continues with the Brazilian Women’s National Team – Click here for more information. Photo: IHFPorRocío Mariel García Sigüenza