Argentina vs. Morocco Olympic soccer begins with a ferocious and chaotic start as Moroccan supporters storm the field
The men's soccer competition at the Olympics got off to a wild and chaotic start on Wednesday when Morocco upset two-time gold medalist Argentina 2-1.
The outcome only partially reflects the dramatic conclusion to the Saint-Etienne match, which had to be postponed for over two hours due to enraged Moroccan supporters who stormed onto the field and hurled bottles from the bleachers in protest at Argentina's late goal in the 16th minute of added time.
The outcome only partially reflects the dramatic conclusion to the Saint-Etienne match, which had to be postponed for over two hours due to enraged Moroccan supporters who stormed onto the field and hurled bottles from the bleachers in protest at Argentina's late goal in the 16th minute of added time.
There was confusion over whether the game had ended or been paused due to the furious and unusual scenario. Players stayed in the stadium and returned to the field for a final three minutes of extra time in front of empty stands, despite orders for the audience to leave.
Cristian Medina's disputed goal was rejected by VAR for offside just moments before play began, and Morocco managed to hold on for the victory.
Cristian Medina's disputed goal was rejected by VAR for offside just moments before play began, and Morocco managed to hold on for the victory.
The world governing organization FIFA has received a formal request from the Argentine soccer association to "take the necessary regulatory measures for such a serious event."
A representative for the Paris organizers stated, "Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions."
A representative for the Paris organizers stated, "Paris 2024 is working with the relevant stakeholders to understand the causes and identify appropriate actions."
After a protracted delay, players returned to the field and warmed up before the game could finish. Players from both sides stood on the pitch in the otherwise empty stadium following warmups as a referee watched the footage. He gave Argentina a succinct explanation as the Moroccan bench players rejoiced.
Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead into the game prior to Argentina's comeback. In the 68th minute, Giuliano Simeone scored, and then Medina's goal caused mayhem.
After the restart, play continued for almost three minutes until the last whistle was blown.
Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead into the game prior to Argentina's comeback. In the 68th minute, Giuliano Simeone scored, and then Medina's goal caused mayhem.
Morocco, whose pride has grown since reaching the 2022 World Cup semifinal, watched the match on TV at cafes all around the country. Tea-drinking men yelled at TV screens during a heat wave that broke records, and they watched in dismay as supporters flocked to the field.
Rabat native Zak Eddakir, 28, explained that the Moroccan supporters' outrage stemmed from their love of soccer, their inherent disillusionment at a draw, and their belief that a referee's call may finish a match.
"That's normal in football," he remarked. "When supporters witness something like that, it may be rather difficult. Football is life here. The king concurs with it as well.
Rabat native Zak Eddakir, 28, explained that the Moroccan supporters' outrage stemmed from their love of soccer, their inherent disillusionment at a draw, and their belief that a referee's call may finish a match.
"That's normal in football," he remarked. "When supporters witness something like that, it may be rather difficult. Football is life here. The king concurs with it as well.
Following Morocco's victory, hairdresser Khadija Seffany poured into the street to greet her friends and neighbors. Because Morocco is an Arab nation, at first she believed the delay in declaring the goal offside indicated the referees wanted Argentina to win. She stated that every game played at the Olympics will be significant.
We're among the greatest in the world right here. We sip football-related beverages. We consume football, Seffany remarked.
We're among the greatest in the world right here. We sip football-related beverages. We consume football, Seffany remarked.
