Why Brazil’s squad won’t be competing in Paris 2024 Olympics?
The Brazilian men’s football team, a powerhouse with two Olympic gold medals, won’t be gracing the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their absence is a shock, given their illustrious history and recent triumphs.
The heartbreak came earlier this year in February, during the South American Olympic qualifiers. Brazil faced Argentina in a decisive match and fell short, losing 1-0 to a stunning strike by Valentin Barco.
The match, held at Brigido Iriarte Stadium in Caracas, saw Argentina’s Luciano Gondou head home the winning goal past Brazilian goalkeeper Mycael in the 78th minute. The defeat ended Brazil’s hopes of clinching one of the two coveted Olympic spots.
Argentina, under the guidance of Javier Mascherano, showcased resilience and tactical brilliance, securing their place in Paris alongside Paraguay, who bested Venezuela 2-0. This marks the first time since 2004 that Brazil will miss the Olympic football tournament, a bitter pill for a nation so proud of its footballing legacy.
Brazil’s recent struggles extend beyond this qualifier. The senior team faced an early exit in the Copa America 2024 quarterfinals, prolonging their trophy drought since their 2019 Copa America win. The under-23 side, which defended their gold in Tokyo 2020, couldn’t replicate the magic this time.
As football fans, we feel the weight of Brazil’s absence. Their flair and passion will be missed on the Olympic stage, a reminder of how unpredictable and fiercely competitive football can be.
- Historic Absence: Brazil, with two Olympic gold medals, won’t participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks their first absence since 2004.
- Decisive Match: Brazil lost 1-0 to Argentina in the South American Olympic qualifiers. Valentin Barco scored the decisive goal in February 2024.
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