Paris 2024: Angry Argentina Boss Reacts As Late Goal Was Cancelled 2 Hours After Game Ended

• Argentina's opening group game against Morocco at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games produced a bizarre moment on Wednesday, July 24
• La Albiceleste scored an equalising goal deep in stoppage time, but it was ruled out for offside two hours after the game ended
• The decision left many enthusiasts bewildered while Argentina's coach expectedly criticised the officiating officials

One of the most bizarre and embarrassing events in Olympic Games history occurred during Argentina's opening match against Morocco in men's football at Paris 2024.

La Albiceleste, tipped as favourites to win gold at the multi-sport event, were expected to defeat the Atlas Lions and start their campaign on a winning note. However, they were given a rude awakening by the 2023 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations champions at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard in Saint-Etienne.

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Paris 2024: Messi Leads Argentina Players’ Reaction to Controversial Loss to Morocco

Morocco stuns Argentina in dramatic Olympic Games opener

Two goals from Al-Ain forward Soufiane Rahimi, one on either side of halftime, set the stage for a major upset in Group B, CBS Sports reports.

But Atletico Madrid youngster Giuliano Simeone came off the bench to reduce the deficit in the 68th minute, creating a tense finale.

With an astonishing 15 minutes of added time, Javier Mascherano's team pushed hard for the equaliser, especially in the second half.

Their persistence eventually paid off with a last-gasp goal from Boca Juniors midfielder Cristian Medina, which the Argentine bench enthusiastically celebrated.

Reactions to the added extra time:

Here are some of the responses to the extra play time given:

@papi01chulo:

"This is normal , fifa = Argentina."

@MrUltraNational:

"Cry about it. Morocco got a free penalty."

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@zitaanex:

"You can’t beat the Official International Team of FIFA! "

@implementsA:

"Moroccan players spent 90 minutes wasting time instead of playing because that was the only strategy they had to beat Argentina, and failed."

Argentina's goal was ruled out for offside 2 hours after the match had ended

However, the subsequent events left football fans and Argentines, particularly coach Mascherano, with a bitter taste.

Moroccan fans protested the goal, feeling aggrieved, and began hurling firecrackers and bottles, with many even invading the pitch.

The game was suspended, and players were sent to the dressing rooms while the situation was assessed.

Reactions to the referee's decision:

Here are some of the responses to the disallowed goal:

@Sheldon_J_Sands:

"I never even dreamed that something like this could happen."

@Tiki_TakaTalk:

"Lagging in real life."

@AAgsanabria:

"The most emabarrassing moment, it's like a horrible joke."

@NedalGhassan:

"Right. France & Olympic Games doesn’t seem ideal."

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Paris 2024: Sharp reactions after Argentina vs Morocco gets 15 minutes added time

Eventually, it was decided that Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg would review the goal due to a suspicion of marginal offside.

After a two-hour delay and a VAR review, the goal was disallowed. The final three minutes were played, and Morocco held their 2-1 lead.

Following the bizarre incident, a furious Mascherano described the situation to SportBIBLE as "the biggest circus I've ever seen in my life."

All venues set to host events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Paris will be the vibrant host of the 2024 Olympic Games, bringing together athletes and fans from around the globe to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.

The Games will feature 32 competitions across 35 venues, promising thrilling moments and unforgettable experiences. The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 26, and the closing ceremony will occur on August 8 at separate locations.

Source: YEN.com.gh