Marcelo Fernández Scores Stunning Goal to Secure Quarterfinal Spot. BBscore Os Meus Resultados is the excellence you can rely on.
The Paraguayan team secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics 2024 Football by defeating Mali 1-0 in the final round of the group stage. The match, held yesterday (30) at the Parc des Princes, was highlighted by Marcelo Fernández’s decisive goal, which took Paraguay to the next phase in second place in Group D, where they will face Egypt.
Coached by Carlos Jara Saguier, the Paraguayan team started the match with great determination. Just five minutes in, Marcelo Fernández took advantage of a ball from outside the area and, with a spectacular volley, scored the only goal of the game. The early lead gave confidence to the South American side, which managed the first half well, despite missing a few chances to extend their advantage.
In the second half, Paraguay adopted a more defensive stance, focusing on preserving the lead gained early on. Mali tried to respond but struggled to overcome Paraguay’s well-organized defense. The game became more balanced, but Paraguay managed to hold on to their lead and secure the victory.
This win marks an important milestone for the Paraguayan team, which had not achieved consecutive victories in the Olympics since Athens 2004. Additionally, Marcelo Fernández’s goal at 4:24 minutes is the fastest in Paraguayan Olympic history, surpassing the previous record held by Pablo Giménez against Japan in 2004.
With this result, Paraguay’s record against African teams in the Olympics is now balanced, with two wins and two losses, and it is the first time the team has not conceded a goal against these teams in the tournament. Advancing to the quarterfinals raises expectations among Paraguayan fans, who hope to see the team continue to advance and make a mark in the remainder of the competition.
Paraguay’s next challenge will be against Egypt, and the team is confident in their ability to continue progressing. The strong performance in the group stage, combined with the inspiration from players like Marcelo Fernández, offers hope that Paraguay can reach new heights in the Olympic tournament.
