Argentina vs Morocco Results – Olympic Games Paris 2024
Match Formations
The Olympic men’s soccer tournament kicked off with a dramatic and violent start on Wednesday, as Morocco secured a shocking 2-1 victory over two-time gold medalist Argentina in Saint-Etienne. The match was marred by chaos as Morocco fans stormed the pitch and threw bottles from the stands to protest a late goal by Argentina in the 16th minute of added time.
The situation turned chaotic when the fans invaded the field, leading to a suspension of the match for nearly two hours. Confusion ensued over whether the game had concluded or was paused. The crowd was instructed to leave the stadium, but players remained and eventually resumed play for a final three minutes of added time in front of empty stands.
Cristian Medina’s disputed goal, which had tied the game at 2-2, was disallowed by VAR for offside just moments before play resumed, allowing Morocco to hold on for the victory.
In response to the events, Argentina’s soccer federation issued a formal claim to FIFA, urging the governing body to “take the necessary regulatory measures for such a serious event.” A spokesperson for the Paris 2024 organizers stated, “Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions.”
Morocco Fans React with Fury
The chaotic scenes were sparked by Medina’s apparent tying goal, which led to furious reactions from Morocco fans. Objects were thrown onto the field, and security had to tackle invading fans at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard. Images showed Argentina players flinching as a flare and other items were hurled onto the pitch.
An hour after the incident, organizers confirmed that the match had not officially ended, and VAR was reviewing the goal. Players eventually returned to the field after a long delay, warmed up, and then played the remaining three minutes of added time before the final whistle was blown.
Morocco’s Triumph
Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead before Argentina’s fightback, with Giuliano Simeone scoring in the 68th minute. The victory was particularly significant for Morocco, as national pride has swelled since the country’s advancement to the semifinals in the 2022 World Cup.
A 28-year-old Rabat resident, Zak Eddakir, commented on the fans’ reaction, stating, “In football, it’s normal. When you see something like that, it’s really hard for supporters. Here, football is life. Even the king supports it.”
Other Matches
In other Olympic soccer action, hosts France made a strong start in Marseille with a 3-0 win over the United States. Captain Alexandre Lacazette scored a superb long-range effort, followed by a strike from Michael Olise and a late header from Loic Bade.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Group D opener against Mali at the Parc des Princes in Paris ended in a 1-1 draw amid tight security due to heightened geopolitical tensions. Earlier, Spain beat Uzbekistan 2-1 in their Group C opener despite struggling in the initial stages of the game.
The opening day of the Olympic men’s soccer tournament was a mix of thrilling victories and unprecedented chaos, setting the stage for what promises to be an eventful competition.
