Paris Olympics 2024: Morocco Defeats Argentina Amid Pitch Invasion and VAR Controversy

The opening day of men’s football at the Olympics was marred by chaos as Argentina’s match against Morocco experienced a dramatic pitch invasion, leading to a suspension of over an hour. The match eventually resumed behind closed doors, with Morocco clinching a 2-1 victory after Argentina’s equalizer was disallowed by VAR.

The Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne witnessed tumultuous scenes when Cristian Medina scored for Argentina deep into stoppage time to level the score at 2-2. The goal triggered wild celebrations and unrest, with spectators hurling objects at the South American players amid an already tense atmosphere. The hostile reaction appeared to be a response to footage of Argentina’s players chanting a song deemed “racist and discriminatory” by the French Football Federation following their Copa America victory earlier this month.

The referee halted the match, and both teams were taken off the pitch. Paris 2024’s official website confirmed the match had been “interrupted.” After much deliberation, it was decided that the final three minutes of the game would be played without spectators. However, Medina’s 106th-minute strike was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up, adding to the match’s controversy. This chaotic start to the tournament raises questions about the organizers’ ability to ensure a smooth and safe Olympic Games.

Argentina, gold medalists in 2004 and 2008, struggled against a determined Moroccan side despite featuring Copa America winners Julián Álvarez, Nicolás Otamendi, and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli. Soufiane Rahimi gave Morocco the lead with a brilliant team goal in the dying seconds of the first half and doubled their advantage with a penalty in the 49th minute.

Giuliano Simeone pulled one back for Javier Mascherano’s team in the 68th minute and hit the goal frame twice before midfielder Medina thought he had salvaged a draw with a late equalizer, only for it to be ruled out by VAR.

In another match, Spain secured a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan in Paris, with goals from Marc Pubill and Sergio Gómez on either side of halftime. Uzbekistan, buoyed by an enthusiastic crowd, equalized just before the break through Eldor Shomurodov’s penalty following a VAR review of a foul by Pau Cubarsi.