The Argentina vs. Morocco match at the Paris 2024 Olympics became one of the most talked-about games due to a series of controversial events that led to an unprecedented two-hour stoppage. This blog post delves into the timeline of events, the key players involved, and the dramatic decisions that turned this match into a memorable spectacle.
Timeline of Events
Kick-off and Early Goals:
- First Half: The match began with Morocco taking an early lead. Soufiane Rahimi scored the first goal for Morocco just before half-time.
- Second Half: Early in the second half, Rahimi scored again from a penalty, putting Morocco up 2-0.
Argentina’s Fightback:
- 68th Minute: Giuliano Simeone, playing for Argentina, managed to pull one back, making the score 2-1.
- 90th Minute: Regulation time ended with Morocco still in the lead. However, due to excessive time-wasting and other disruptions, the referee added an unusually long 15 minutes of injury time.
Chaos in Added Time:
- 105+16th Minute: Deep into the added time, Cristian Medina of Argentina scored a dramatic equalizer, seemingly making the score 2-2. This led to Moroccan fans invading the pitch and throwing objects, including firecrackers and bottles, at the players, resulting in a suspension of the match.
The Controversial Decision
Suspension and VAR Review:
- Two-Hour Delay: The match was halted for nearly two hours while officials deliberated the situation. The players were taken off the field as security attempted to restore order.
- VAR Decision: After extensive review, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) disallowed Argentina’s equalizer due to an offside call. This decision was communicated just before 7:00 p.m. local time.
Resumption and Conclusion:
- Final Minutes: The teams returned to the field to play the remaining three minutes and 15 seconds. The match resumed in an empty stadium, with no fans present due to the earlier chaos.
- Final Whistle: Argentina failed to score again, and Morocco secured a 2-1 victory.
Reactions from Key Figures
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco):
- Moroccan captain Achraf Hakimi addressed the incidents on social media, condemning the behavior of certain fans and emphasizing that such actions have no place in soccer. “We started the Olympic Games with an important victory. I deplore the behavior of certain supporters during the match, which tarnished the image of our loyal fans. Such behavior has no place in soccer,” Hakimi stated​ (Bolavip)​.
Javier Mascherano (Argentina):
- Argentina’s coach Javier Mascherano was vocal about his displeasure, describing the situation as a “circus” and expressing frustration over the handling of the match and the final decision by VAR​.
Conclusion
The Argentina vs. Morocco match at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered for its chaotic and controversial ending. The two-hour suspension, the pitch invasion, and the dramatic VAR decision have sparked widespread discussion and criticism. This game has highlighted the need for better crowd control and more transparent decision-making processes in football.
