Memorable soccer game - Scandal, Shame: Argentinians import over Olympic scandal
Argentinean chaos at the Olympic soccer tournament shocked even Lionel Messi and required an encore performance. "Unusual" wrote World Cup winner Messi on Instagram after the memorable match against Morocco (1:2) and posted an emoticon with wide-open eyes. The Argentineans' indignation after the scandal at the start was great. Mascherano, the trainer, called it a "scandal," and Otamendi, the defender, spoke of a "historical shame." Argentine media were embarrassed by what had happened in Saint-Étienne.
Argentina files complaint
The match with the extra-long overtime may have further consequences. Argentina's soccer association filed a complaint with FIFA after the group stage match on Wednesday. The Disciplinary Committee of the World Association should take action regarding the incidents, it was demanded. It was a "serious event." However, it is rather unlikely that the complaint will affect the rating of the game. FIFA referred to an inquiry from the Paris Games Organizing Committee.
The Olympic organizers, however, stated that they would investigate the matter. We want to understand the causes and draw necessary conclusions for the further course of the Summer Games.
Almost two hours of interruption
What exactly had happened? Argentina had scored the supposed equalizer in the 16th minute of stoppage time. Moroccan fans stormed the field out of anger due to the long stoppage time, so the game could not be resumed at first. There was long uncertainty as to whether the game had been ended or only interrupted. In addition, the goal to make it 2-2 was reviewed on video for a possible offside position.
After almost two hours, the teams returned to the pitch in the meantime empty stadium. Both captains reportedly spoke against continuing the game - in vain. The Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg took back the 2:2 based on the video images and let the remaining three minutes play, then the 2:1 victory of the Moroccans was confirmed.
Otamendi "angry" and "helpless"
What had happened was making me "angry" and "helpless," wrote Argentine veteran Otamendi on social media. And that even at the Olympics. Nevertheless, my team must look forward now, said the 36-year-old, who won the World Cup with Messi in Qatar in 2022. "United we stand" wrote Otamendi. Saturday in Lyon is the next game against Iraq.
- Despite the chaotic Olympic soccer match against Morocco, which shockingly resulted in a 1:2 loss for Argentina, including an extra-long overtime and a controversial goal disallowance, the Argentinean star forward, Lionel Messi, expressed his unique perspective on Instagram, describing the incident as "unusual" and using an emoticon with wide-open eyes.
- Argentine soccer association filed a complaint with FIFA following the group stage match on Wednesday, demanding action from the Disciplinary Committee of the World Association regarding the incidents that occurred during the memorable game against Morocco, which was labeled as a "serious event."
- The Olympic organizers promised to investigate the situation, aiming to understand the underlying causes and draw necessary conclusions in order to ensure a smoother course for the remainder of the Summer Games.
- The unusual conclusion of the soccer game between Argentina and Morocco saw a two-hour interruption due to fan protest over the lengthy stoppage time, leaving the referee and both teams uncertain as to whether the game would continue or be called off.
- After a lengthy delay, the teams eventually returned to the pitch for the final minutes of the game, with both captains reportedly advocating against continuing, but ultimately to no avail as the game resumed and resulted in a 2:1 victory for Morocco.
- Following the controversial soccer match, Argentine defender Nicolas Otamendi took to social media to share his feelings, expressing his frustration and helplessness at the situation, while also emphasizing the importance of his team moving forward, with their next opponent being Iraq in Lyon.
- Adding to the controversy, Argentina's former midfielder and current coach Javier Mascherano also referred to the issue as a "scandal," joining the discussion surrounding the heated match between Argentina and Morocco at the Olympic soccer tournament, which left many involved parties feeling disgruntled and disillusioned.
