The first surreal scene of the Games occurred during the Argentina-Morocco match in Group B, held yesterday in Saint-Etienne. The Argentinian team had initially drawn with the Moroccan side (2-2), equalising in the dying moments (90+15') with a goal from Cristian Medina. However, an unexpected twist followed: two hours later, the match ended in defeat for Mascherano’s team, as the last-minute goal was disallowed after the referee reviewed it on VAR in an empty stadium.

Argentina celebrated what they believed was an equalising goal by confronting the stands packed with Moroccan fans, who had been booing them throughout the match. This led to a pitch invasion that resulted in the suspension of the game just moments before the end, following an enormous added time of 15 minutes.

Both teams retreated to the changing rooms. The VAR review of the goal’s validity was awaited, which took place two hours later, with the players back on the field and the stands completely deserted at Geoffroy-Guichard. Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg disallowed Medina's goal, ruling it as offside.

Following the referee’s decision, the remaining three minutes were played due to the pitch invasion. Morocco held their lead and won 1-2, sparking a monumental outburst from Javier Mascherano on the sidelines. The former player shouted at the referee: "It’s the biggest circus I’ve ever seen" as the match concluded.

In terms of play, after an evenly matched first half with few chances, Ilias Akhomach produced a fine piece of skill, including a backheel pass, setting up Bilal Al Khannouss to assist Rahimi, from Al Ain, to tilt the balance.

Argentina had the entire second half to rectify the situation. However, just after the restart, a slight push by Julio Soler on Ilias’s back was penalised by the Swedish referee Nyberg, with Rahimi converting the spot-kick.

The Albiceleste, pushing forward with attacking actions, had their chances. Notably, Bruno Amione's header and Julián Álvarez’s effort were thwarted by Munir El Kajoui. It wasn’t until the 68th minute that Giuliano Simeone scored to put Argentina back in contention. What followed was a story of a frustrating draw, as Morocco celebrated a prestigious victory that solidified their ambitions in these Games, while Argentina departed in pain after believing they could salvage the match.

Spain salvages a lacklustre performance

Spain kicked off their Group C campaign at Paris 2024 against Uzbekistan in the best possible way: with a win. Santi Denia’s side triumphed 2-1 in a hard-fought match with goals from Marc Pubill and Sergio García, who had previously missed a penalty.

The coach started with his strongest eleven. However, in the first half, Spain struggled against a spirited Uzbekistan. The Spanish team failed to create much danger, remaining sluggish in their play. They had only a couple of crosses until Sergio Gómez’s assist, which Abel Ruiz flicked on for Marc Pubill to score in the 29th minute, putting his team ahead.

Instead of adopting a defensive stance, Uzbekistan continued to play energetically, nearly equalising with a free kick on the edge of the area. The ever-present Jaloliddinov took a powerful shot that was ultimately saved by goalkeeper Tena. The equaliser came just before half-time from a penalty reviewed by VAR, awarded for a slow and less reliable Pau Cubarsí’s foul. Shomurodov converted it with a slow-motion shot to the post.

Denia’s half-time talk had an effect, and his team started the second half more effectively, pressing successfully. The Spanish defence, now more secure without the nervy Cubarsí, saw Oroz's cut in the opposition area lead to the penalty which Sergio Gómez converted in the 59th minute to make it 1-2. Despite Uzbekistan’s late attempts and persistent effort, Spain held on for the win. 

Despite the defeat, the Uzbek fans became the other main attraction of the afternoon. Not only did they passionately cheer throughout the ninety minutes, but they did so to the rhythm of an impressive drum performance. In the final stretch, the crowd even clapped in unison with their hands above their heads, reminiscent of the Viking Thunder introduced by Icelandic fans at the Euro 2016 in France. There was also an Uzbek version of the popular football song “Don’t Take Me Home,” accompanied by increasingly fast drumming.

The rest of the day’s matches

Other matches on this first day of the group stage included six additional encounters. Notably, France defeated the United States 3-0, with goals from Loic Bade, Michael Olise, and Alexandre Lacazette. 

Mali and Israel drew 1-1, while Egypt and the Dominican Republic also finished in a goalless draw. Iraq beat Ukraine 2-1, and Japan delivered the day’s biggest win, scoring five goals against Paraguay through an audacious performance. 

On Saturday, 27 July, matches continue, as teams look to book their place in the quarter-finals.