Olympics-2024, Group B, 1st round
Argentina – Morocco – 2:2
Goals: Jul. Simeone, 68, Medina, 90+16 – Rahimi, 45+2, 51 (penalty)
“Albiceleste” seized the initiative from the first minutes. However, Javier Mascherano’s charges were unable to bring things to dangerous moments. The Maghrebians were also not going well up front – throws forward from their half were easily read by the Argentine defense.
Gradually, the Moroccan team moved the game away from their own goal. The “Atlas Lions” began to actively look for approaches to Rulli’s goal. In the end, the African team managed to score a goal in the locker room – Rahimi closed a cross from Bilal after a combination with Ahomash.
At the start of the second half, Morocco shocked the Argentine Olympians with a second goal. Ahomache burst into the free zone in the opponent’s penalty area and fell after Otamendi’s touch – a penalty. Rahimi approached the mark and confidently shot into the left corner.
Mascherano’s team rushed forward in force to recoup. A series of sharp set pieces prevented the Argentines from opening the scoring. However, in the 68th minute, Giuliano Simeone gave the “albiceleste” hope, finishing at the far post after a pass from Soler.
In the final minutes, the Argentina team tried to storm Munir’s territory. The referee also tried to help Mascherano’s charges by adding 15 minutes, taken from God knows where. However, the defense of the “Atlas Lions” acted harmoniously until the very end. As late as the 90+16th (!) minute, a protracted attack by the “albiceleste” with two hits on the crossbar ended with Medina’s successful finish.
A murmur of discontent rose from the stands, and all sorts of rubbish was thrown at the Argentinians. The broadcast did not even include the episode with the referee’s final whistle. So, Morocco began the tournament with a sensation. In the second round, the Africans will meet the Ukrainian team, and Argentina will face the Iraqi Olympic team. These matches will take place on July 27.
Argentina vs Morocco match to be played to the end
Updated at 19:55. Almost two hours after the match, it turned out that the referee did not blow the final whistle. Footballers from both teams were taken off the field because fans threw firecrackers onto the field. Moreover, the Argentinians’ goal was not counted due to offside, and the last few minutes will be played after 20:00.
