Olympic Soccer Spirals into Chaos as Morocco Fans Storm Field Against Argentina

SAINT-ÉTIENNE, France — The Olympic men’s soccer tournament kicked off with unexpected turmoil as Morocco claimed a surprising 2-1 victory over two-time gold medalist Argentina.

The game’s end at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was marred by near pandemonium. A late-game goal by Argentina, in the 16th minute of added time, provoked outrage among Morocco’s fans, who stormed the pitch and hurled bottles from the stands.

The chaotic scene led to uncertainty over the game’s status—postponed or concluded. While spectators were asked to exit, players stayed on, returning for a final three minutes of added time in an eerily empty stadium.

Just before resumption, Cristian Medina’s goal was annulled by VAR for offside, preserving Morocco’s lead. The Moroccan fans, convinced they had been robbed of a critical win, reacted furiously.

Security had to tackle invading fans as bottles and other objects littered the field. Some Argentina players recoiled when a flare landed on the pitch. Even FIFA’s website prematurely declared the match over.

About an hour later, organizers clarified that the match wasn’t officially over and that VAR was set to review the contested goal. Players warmed up on the field during the prolonged delay, awaiting the review results.

The official eventually declared the goal invalid, allowing play to continue for a final three minutes before blowing the final whistle. Morocco maintained their lead, despite Argentina’s efforts to equalize.

Morocco initially led the game 2-0 until Giuliano Simeone’s goal in the 68th minute emboldened Argentina. The match was a significant event in Morocco, broadcast in cafes across the country where fans watched anxiously, especially after the nation’s success in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

Zak Eddakir, a resident of Rabat, explained the fervent reaction as a manifestation of soccer’s deep-rooted significance in Morocco. According to him, football is intertwined with life in the country, backed even by the King.

Khadija Seffany, a local hairdresser, expressed her joy for Morocco’s victory by embracing friends and neighbors. Initially suspecting bias due to the lengthy decision to call the goal offside, she felt every match in the Olympics held immense importance.

“Here, we’re one of the best in the world. We drink football. We eat football,” said Seffany, highlighting football’s pervasive influence in Moroccan culture.