Chaos and confusion marked Wednesday’s match as Morocco defeated Argentina 2-1 in their opening game of the men’s Olympic football tournament. The game, held in Saint-Etienne, was marred by a late disallowed equalizer for Argentina and crowd trouble that resulted in the final minutes being played in an empty stadium.
Argentina appeared to have secured a 2-2 draw when Cristian Medina scored in the 16th minute of added time. However, their celebrations were cut short as projectiles, including bottles and plastic cups, rained down from the stands, leading to spectators invading the pitch. The referee blew the whistle amid the chaos, causing both teams to leave the playing area.
The match’s outcome remained uncertain until the teams reappeared two hours later to complete three more minutes in an empty stadium. Medina’s goal was eventually disallowed for offside following a VAR review, allowing Morocco to secure all three points.
The incident was a disappointing start to the Paris Games, particularly for Argentina, whose players were booed during their entrance and national anthem by a predominantly pro-Morocco crowd. This reaction followed Argentina players being filmed singing racist chants after their recent Copa America victory.
“It is a circus,” said Argentina coach Javier Mascherano. “At no point did they tell us our goal was not valid… this would not even happen in a neighborhood tournament. It’s pathetic. Beyond the Olympic spirit, the organization needs to be up to standard. At the moment it is not, unfortunately.”
Argentina, seeking their third men’s football gold following wins in 2004 and 2008, trailed 2-0 after a brace by Soufiane Rahimi. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi set up Rahimi’s opener in first-half stoppage time, and Rahimi doubled the lead with a penalty early in the second half.
Giuliano Simeone, son of former Argentina star Diego Simeone, came off the bench to score for Argentina midway through the second half. Medina then believed he had equalized in the 106th minute, but his goal was disallowed for offside.
Argentina’s next game will be against Iraq in Lyon on Saturday. Iraq defeated Ukraine 2-1 in their opening match.
Spain Beats Uzbekistan 2-1
Spain, silver medallists in Tokyo three years ago, started their gold medal bid with a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan in Group C at the Parc des Princes in Paris. Featuring Euro 2024 winners Alex Baena and Fermin Lopez, Spain took the lead through Marc Pubill before Uzbekistan equalized from the penalty spot in first-half added time. Sergio Gomez scored Spain’s winner just after the hour mark.
In other matches, Egypt and the Dominican Republic drew 0-0, and later games include hosts France facing the United States. New Zealand defeated Guinea 2-1, while Japan thrashed 10-man Paraguay 5-0.
