LYON, France, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Argentina recovered from their loss to Morocco to beat Iraq 3-1 in their second men's soccer Group B game of the Paris Olympic Games on Saturday.

Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez played a key role with two assists for Argentina, which earnestly needed a win after they were defeated by Morocco 2-1 in their first group game on Wednesday.

The South American side enjoyed a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute when midfielder Thiago Almada drove a pass from Alvarez past Iraq goalkeeper Hasan Hussein.

Iraq equalized with four minutes into the injury time of the first half through Hussein Aymen who headed in a cross from the left.

Argentina head coach Javier Mascherano took off underperforming midfielder Santiago Hezze and sent in Luciano Gondou in the 60th minute. This change worked two minutes later as Gondou made it 2-1 for Argentina with a header.

In the 85th minute, Alvarez's pass found well-positioned Ezequiel Fernandez who scored with a stunning drive.

Argentina will face their last group opponents Ukraine next Tuesday. Enditem

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