Argentina’s 2-1 defeat to Morocco in their opening match of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games men’s football tournament, which was marred by controversy, has led coach Javier Mascherano to express frustration, calling it a ‘circus’ and a disgrace.
The match, held at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Étienne, was interrupted for nearly two hours due to disruptive scenes caused by fans. It eventually resumed in an empty stadium after spectators were sent home, following a pitch invasion and bottle-throwing incident triggered by a controversial decision.
Argentina seemed to have equalized in the 16th minute of second-half injury time, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.
The referee then led the players off the pitch as fans threw objects and caused disturbances. The match eventually resumed, with Morocco maintaining their lead through an additional three minutes of play.
“I have not been a coach for long, but never in my career as a player have I seen a situation like that,” said Mascherano, who won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2004 and 2008. “It is a circus. But that is how it is. We cannot control it. I told the boys that now we need to look forward, try to get the six points that will allow us to qualify and that all this should fill us with energy and anger for what we have ahead of us.”
The dramatic conclusion has overshadowed Morocco’s impressive performance, which earned them a memorable victory. The Atlas Lions will next face Ukraine, while Argentina will aim to rebound against Iraq on Saturday.
Mascherano’s team will need to regroup swiftly to overcome the setback and continue their progress in the tournament.
