Javier Mascherano is coaching Argentina at the 2024 Olympics but his team got off to a nightmare start after a chaotic defeat to Morocco
19:48, 24 Jul 2024Updated 19:50, 24 Jul 2024
Former Liverpool star Javier Mascherano has reacted with fury to Argentina’s defeat to Morocco in their opening match at the 2024 Olympics. The Argentina manager responded after seeing his team lose 2-1 in a dramatic clash in Saint-Etienne.
The South Americans thought they had equalised late on when Cristian Medina headed in a rebound off the crossbar in the 106th minute. Subsequent pandemonium saw fans storming the pitch and Argentine players seeking refuge in the tunnel as firecrackers were hurled their way.
And over an hour later, it was revealed that VAR had disallowed Medina’s close-range goal for offside. Mascherano was furious with the 40-year-old describing it as “the biggest circus I’ve ever seen in my life.”
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The Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was the stage for some shocking scenes after Morocco took a surprising 2-0 lead in the match that kicked off at 2pm. Soufiane Rahimi scored the first goal and then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.
Giuliano Simeone managed to narrow the gap with a back post finish, setting the stage for an exciting finale amidst chaotic scenes. Moroccan fans were outraged when officials added on 15 minutes and play was disrupted twice before the unsavoury scenes at the end.
A video circulating on social media shows Argentina’s players ducking and covering their heads as a firecracker, thrown from the stands, exploded just above them.
Argentina will be looking to bounce back on Saturday in their next group match against Iraq in Lyon. Their final group match also takes place in Lyon where they face Ukraine.
