The first day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will be remembered as the day a goal was controversially disallowed two hours after it was scored. Argentina’s under-23 team, led by Javier Mascherano, faced a 2-1 loss against Morocco in their opening match, a result that has drawn attention worldwide. Following the match, Mascherano referred to the situation as a "circus." Two key players from the team, Nicolás Otamendi and Gerónimo Rulli, shared their frustrations after referee Glenn Nyberg denied Cristian Medina’s late goal due to an offside rule influenced by VAR, following a chaotic interruption caused by crowd disturbances.
Otamendi, a central defender for Benfica, expressed his outrage in comments reported by TyC Sports journalist Gastón Edul. He described the entire episode as a "historic embarrassment," stating, “Morocco didn’t want to play, and we didn’t either.” He noted the prolonged wait of more than an hour, during which no one informed the teams about the situation. His feelings of helplessness were exacerbated by the significance of the Olympics.
The defender also criticized the lack of security and pointed out a missed opportunity for Argentina when he believed there should have been a penalty called before the offside decision. He mentioned, “The referee had an hour and a half to review the offside play, but he didn’t check the entire situation. A Moroccan player handled the ball right before I took my shot. That was ignored.” Otamendi concluded, “To lose a match this way is infuriating, but we need to uplift the younger players.”
Rulli, the Ajax goalkeeper, also voiced his disappointment, stating that despite their anger, nothing he could say at that moment would be adequate. He felt used and mistreated by the officials. The veteran keeper was perplexed by Nyberg’s decision and emphasized that they were initially informed the equalizing goal was valid. He explained, “We were told the goal stood and that they were waiting for everyone to be cleared for safety before we played the last three minutes. Both teams wanted to finish the match, but the hostile crowd of nearly 40,000 was largely against us.”
Rulli expanded on his feelings via an Instagram post, declaring their awareness of the challenges they would face, but reaffirmed that they were determined to represent their country honorably.
Hostile reactions were prevalent at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, with noticeable booing during the Argentine national anthem. When Argentina scored to level the match, violence erupted in the stands as plastic bottles were thrown at players celebrating the goal. Many fans invaded the pitch, and explosive devices were set off near the substitutes’ area, prompting the Argentine players to retreat to their locker room.
Rulli recounted the chaotic aftermath with TyC Sports, stating, “We couldn’t comprehend what was happening. If the goal was offside, that’s one thing. But after we score and celebrate, and then get attacked from the stands, it’s bewildering. Morocco and we were ready to conclude the match at that point.” He echoed Mascherano’s sentiment, describing the entire scenario as a circus led by inexplicable decisions from those in charge.
As for what they were told to return to the pitch after the chaos, Rulli mentioned, “We just had to go out because the show must go on. It’s disgraceful because as a federation and a country, we place great importance on this. Today lacked seriousness and professionalism.”
Mascherano, compelled to resume the match after the long disruptions, had remarked that this was the most significant circus he had witnessed. In a post-match press conference, he reiterated his confusion over a lengthy VAR review, questioning how it made sense to stop play for an offside already determined and only let them finish a mere three minutes after an extended pause.
With the disappointing result behind them, the Argentine team must quickly shift focus as they prepare to face Iraq in Lyon on Saturday at 10 a.m. Argentina time, a crucial match for their hopes in Group B. Their final group match will take place in the same stadium against Ukraine on Tuesday, July 30, at noon.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/deportes/2024/07/24/la-acusacion-de-otamendi-por-el-gol-del-empate-anulado-a-argentina-ante-marruecos-y-un-penal-no-observado-no-revisaron-la-jugada-entera/
