Paris 2024 | Dominant Hungary relieved after long-awaited win

Following the losses in their opening matches, both rivals were eager to claim their maiden wins at Paris 2024 and therefore improve their chances to progress to the quarter-final. After their first victory at the Olympics since 2012, Hungary have two points, while Argentina feel more pressure as they are yet to take their first points in the competition.

PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC GAMES – PRELIMINARY ROUND
GROUP В
Argentina vs Hungary 25:35 (12:17)

Hungary had the upper hand from the opening minutes, but as both teams showed high shot efficiency early in the match, the Europeans could not pull clear by more than two goals. And then Argentina enjoyed a good spell, as a string of successful attacks helped them to get in front for the first and only time in this match, 10:9 in the 17th minute.

The South American side had a chance to extend their lead a couple of minutes later, but Federico Fernandez's penalty shot was saved by Kristof Palasics. Hungary's goalkeeper did not shine early in the match, but he improved later on and helped his team to create a five-goal advantage by half-time.

Hungary netted just once between minute 12 and 21, but they made up for that unlucky spell later in the first half, scoring eight goals in the last 10 minutes before the break. Argentina looked tired and started to make a lot of mistakes, and their shot efficiency at the break dropped to 57%, compared to Hungary's 81%.

After the restart, the South American side replaced Juan Bar by Leonel Maciel, which somewhat improved their goalkeeping. Yet Hungary continued to convert their chances well, shooting from all angles, and as they increased the gap to 23:15 by the 38th minute, Argentina's coach Guillermo Milano called for a timeout. 

However, it did not really help. Hungary's captain Mate Lekai did a good job, scoring four goals from four assists and also providing a number of assists for his teammates. Right wing Bence Imre also contributed a lot to his team's victory, becoming the top scorer of the encounter with seven goals. And last but not least, goalkeeper Palasics ended the game with 14 saves and a 38% saving efficiency. 

James Parker and Ignacio Pizarro conceded direct red cards after the fouls on their opponents, which only added to Argentina's woes. Hungary, which tied their third-largest win in history at the Olympics, 35:25, feel relieved after this commanding victory, and they hope to build on that performance in the next match against Norway.