Argentina defeated the USA with a try at the end of the game to open the Men's Rugby 7s Olympics for both teams.

In a game full of controversy and hard hitting, the USA never found its rhythm, and neither of their super-fast guys, Perry Baker or Carlin Isles, got the ball with any kind of space or opportunity to show what they can do. 

Argentina came at the USA hard and dominated the first half, punishing penalties to get a try midway through the period. But they were set up by knock-ons by the Eagles, as well as a series of needless infractions in the rucks.

Down 7-0 the Eagles got a break with about two minutes left in the half when Argentina was penalized for a somewhat borderline tip tackle. Yellow card for Argentina, and the Eagles had a chance to use some space. Instead, they got penalized for sealing off in the ruck, and Argentina easily ran out the clock.

In the second half, Argentina retained the kickoff and worked the ball side-to-side to set up a run around the corner. Danny Barrett made a try-saving tackle, but was penalized for a high tackle as he did so. Argentina tapped quickly, but there on the tryline were Garrett Bender and Barrett, who combined to jar the ball loose. Referee Craig Joubert signalled try, but further review showed that Fernando Luna had dropped the ball and not made the line in any case. Despite looking at the video, Joubert reaffirmed the try, and Argentina led 12-0.

Finally the Eagles got some go-forward, and Zack Test broke through a small gap and kept on going for the corner. He had Baker outside him but opted to just take it and go, and was ultimately caught just before the line - a high tackle, however, and a penalty try. Argentina 12, USA 7.

Back came the Americans. With one Argentina player in the bin, they saw another yellow-carded for a tip tackle. With a seven-on-five advantage the Eagles opted to go with their big guys rather than their fast guys, lost the ball, but ultimately got it back when Nate Ebner pounced on a loose pass. Garrett Bender almost broke free, and finally a nice shot ball to Barrett put him over. Madison Hughes was good on the conversion, and the USA led 14-12.

All they needed to do was kick off and bottle up Argentina. But Folau Niua, usually so sure-footed, shanked the kickoff. Argentina tapped, took their time, and finally put Matias Moroni in at the corner. 

For the USA, a tough result to take. It wasn't horrible, because the way the quarterfinals work, they should be fine, especially if they blow out Brazil. But it was frustrating for fans, and, likely, players as well as the USA didn't play their game at all, didn't see much ball anyway, and made it really, really tough on themselves with penalies.

USA 14

Tries: Penalty Try, Barrett

Convs: Hughes

Argentina 17

Tries: Muller Aranda, Luna, Moroni

Convs: Revol

Also of note: Japan beat New Zealand 14-12, and France beat Australia. The Eagles face Brazil at 6pm local time, 5pm ET, 2pm PT.