Morocco and Argentina players stand on the field during a crowd trouble suspension, with the match later completed in an empty stadium.
Saint-Etienne, France – July 24, 2024 – The 2024 Olympic football tournament got off to a dramatic and chaotic start as Morocco secured a controversial 2-1 victory over Argentina in a match marred by crowd trouble and a lengthy suspension.
Match Summary
Final Score: Morocco 2 – 1 Argentina
Morocco Scorers: Soufiane Rahimi (45′, 52′ pen)
Argentina Scorer: Giuliano Simeone (78′)
First Half
Morocco took the lead just before halftime, with Soufiane Rahimi slotting home a well-placed shot, giving his team a crucial edge. Argentina, despite their best efforts, struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Moroccan defense.
Second Half
The drama intensified early in the second half as Rahimi converted a penalty, doubling Morocco’s lead. Argentina responded urgently, and Giuliano Simeone, son of the legendary Diego Simeone, found the net in the 78th minute, injecting new life into the match.
Controversial Equalizer and Suspension
In the 16th minute of injury time, Cristian Medina appeared to equalize for Argentina, sparking wild celebrations. However, the joy was short-lived as VAR ruled the goal offside. The decision ignited anger among the fans, leading to a barrage of cups, bottles, and even a flare thrown onto the pitch. Several Moroccan fans invaded the field, prompting the referee to take the players off the pitch and suspend the match.
Resumption in an Empty Stadium
After a nearly two-hour delay, the players returned to an eerily silent stadium to complete the final three minutes of the game. VAR’s decision stood, disallowing Argentina’s equalizer, and Morocco held on to their 2-1 lead, securing a crucial and controversial victory.
Post-Match Reactions
- Morocco Coach: “We are delighted with the win, but the circumstances were far from ideal. We hope for a more controlled environment in future matches.”
- Argentina Coach Javier Mascherano: “It’s disappointing to lose in such a manner. We must regroup and focus on our next matches.”
Tournament Organizers’ Statement
The tournament organizers released a statement addressing the suspension. They cited a pitch invasion by a small number of spectators as the cause and assured that measures are being taken to understand the incident and prevent future occurrences.
Upcoming Fixtures
Argentina vs. Iraq: Saturday
Argentina vs. Ukraine: Tuesday
Also Read: Paris 2024 Olympics: Enhanced Security with Divers & Drones
