【FULL MATCH】 Argentina vs. Morocco | Paris Olympics 2024 - video Dailymotion

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Watch 【FULL MATCH】 Argentina vs. Morocco | Paris Olympics 2024 - World Sport Full Match on Dailymotion

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00:00:00Been there, done that, got the gold medal, Javier Mascherano, 2004 in Athens, 2008 in Beijing.

00:00:18Whole new world for the 47-year-old Moroccan coach, Tarek Siktioui.

00:00:31Paris 2024 is underway, the men's football opening game of the group stage of Argentina against Morocco gets going.

00:00:39With Moroccans in their red shirts, with green shorts and red socks playing from left to right.

00:00:44Argentina in their traditional light blue and white stripes with the white shirts and socks playing from right to left.

00:00:51Delighted to say alongside myself, Oliver Wilson, is Lucy Ward for this encounter.

00:00:55And Lucy, I mean the tension and the tingle around this atmosphere here in Saint-Etienne, it's almost palpable.

00:01:00Yeah, it is. I mean, you look at Argentina and they're coming as one of the favourites in this competition.

00:01:06Although they did struggle in the pre-tournament in qualifying, but Mascherano has been there and done that, hasn't he?

00:01:12And lead his young charges, they've got good experience in their overage players.

00:01:17But Morocco, they come into it, they're hoping to build on their country and what they did in the World Cup.

00:01:24The fans are unbelievable.

00:01:26Rahimi floats one all the way across. It's going to miss everybody in and around the 18-yard box as Elouade coming up from that left-back role, trying to support the attack on the left flank.

00:01:39Can't do much with it.

00:01:43No real surprise to see plenty of Moroccan supporters here.

00:01:47There are, of course, strong links between France and Morocco.

00:01:54There's still a fair few Argentinian supporters as well that have made the journey.

00:01:58I think that they're willing to travel up to the likes of Rio de Janeiro on 25- to 36-hour bus journeys.

00:02:05A quick jaunt across the open waters in an airplane for about 13 hours to Paris isn't too bad.

00:02:13Yes, Ahomash going back to the captain, Hakimi.

00:02:17There's a lot of pressure on his shoulders.

00:02:23It's interesting looking at this Morocco line-up.

00:02:25It's almost like there's a back three, if you will, because Oussama Alazoui is sitting very deep just alongside the centre-backs as it's moved out to this near side.

00:02:37El Canous gets it back.

00:02:41It's a late whistle but the free kick is given against Julio Soler, the 19-year-old left-back for Argentina.

00:02:49Interesting, Morocco actually came into the competition in the friendlies that they played and played a back three.

00:02:56Hakimi plays part of that back three, being the experienced defender that he is.

00:03:00But he started off quite intensively, hasn't he, this game?

00:03:05Both teams want to put their mark on this group because both teams feel that they're the two teams that should go through.

00:03:13It's a group that has Ukraine and Iraq in it.

00:03:18It's very much a feeling that this first encounter could set the pecking order for the group standings.

00:03:29Although Tarek Sektiwi has certainly said that he feels they're playing behind the Argentinians in terms of looking for a top two spot in qualifications, the knockout stages.

00:03:39But they have the lion's share of the possession so far, the Atlas Lions.

00:03:44Kicked in towards that near post, there's a big shout for handball as well as Julian Alvarez was the one getting back doing the dirty work, the number nine.

00:03:53Hakimi's got something to say about that.

00:03:55Referee, obviously got VAR that will be checking that.

00:04:01It's so difficult.

00:04:02As a player, you really struggle in the penalty area with your arms in the air.

00:04:06I mean, Alvarez wasn't even looking at the ball.

00:04:09It hits his arm.

00:04:11The handball rule is really difficult at the moment.

00:04:15Always looks worse in slow motion as well.

00:04:19Certainly doesn't help the officials.

00:04:21In the meantime, there's a bit of pushing and shoving inside the 18-yard box as the Moroccans prepare for this corner.

00:04:39It'll be the captain to take.

00:04:44Right into the danger zone, just on the top of the six-yard box towards that far post.

00:04:48But Argentina deal with the danger and look to try and break now.

00:04:54Nowhere really for Kevin Zenon to go.

00:04:56He was clipped and hit the deck rather abruptly.

00:05:01More opportunity though for Argentina.

00:05:03There might be another one here.

00:05:04Beltran looks to be on to this one as he looks to capitalise on the error.

00:05:08Ramir just losing his footing and losing his whereabouts in a very dangerous part of the pitch to say the least.

00:05:24The South Americans have suddenly woken up.

00:05:31This is what Argentina want.

00:05:32They didn't really have control over the opening five minutes of this game.

00:05:36And just using, getting a feel of the ball, keeping possession.

00:05:40Because Morocco will hit you, will get the bodies up the pitch.

00:05:44And Argentina just haven't got a grip of it yet.

00:05:50Now Rahimi just had a slight grip there on Santiago's headset.

00:05:59I get the feeling that's what Morocco need to do when Argentina are in possession today, don't you?

00:06:03Just hustle them, harass them, make life difficult for them.

00:06:06Don't let them settle into a rhythm.

00:06:28It's left for Armada.

00:06:31Zenon.

00:06:34Certainly provide quality service, but that wasn't a shining example of it.

00:06:39Kept him really well there by the outstretched leg of El Canoes.

00:06:44Wonderful challenge to get back though and just thwart the danger early.

00:06:56Tell you what, great start, Oli.

00:06:58Full of chaos.

00:07:00Another team really having that chance on goal.

00:07:03But giving each other a chance to get into that space.

00:07:07And now Morocco not afraid of this Argentinian team.

00:07:11Ben Seguir just feeding it inside, but couldn't find a teammate.

00:07:16Can't stay at this sort of pace in this sort of heat and these conditions.

00:07:23It's all hands to the pumps in the middle of the park, that's for sure.

00:07:26Zenon just breaking up the Morocco momentum once again.

00:07:30Under pressure, as you all know, during the qualifying.

00:07:33They didn't really make it easy for themselves.

00:07:37Coming back from deficits at the end of games.

00:07:41You know, going down in games and it really was an issue with the Argentinian fans.

00:07:46But hopefully they'll find the form coming into this competition.

00:07:51It's amazing as well to think that considering the status that men's Olympic football has,

00:07:55in comparison to the perhaps rest of the Olympics game,

00:07:58the pressure still that Mascherano is feeling,

00:08:00shows the determination of the Argentinian football supporters.

00:08:03They want to see a gold medal coming home.

00:08:06Yeah, and they know that Brazil have won it the last couple of times, the gold medal.

00:08:10And I think that that's important as well.

00:08:12You want to be top dogs.

00:08:13They managed to put Brazil out, didn't even qualify.

00:08:16So the opportunities here for Argentina to be the top South American, top in the world.

00:08:26And so here, closing down high up the pitch.

00:08:44Don't want to allow the Argentinians to get it into the likes of Almada or Zenon.

00:08:55It's a real modern trend now that out of possession regardless,

00:09:07top teams tend to be in a 4-4-2 and both of those, these teams have done that.

00:09:12They've not got the ball, they just compact, narrow.

00:09:16Two forwards just try and hurry and meet the press

00:09:19and the rest just basically say to the opposition, try and get past us.

00:09:24Just an arm up there on Soler.

00:09:27Yes, Akhomash.

00:09:32Don't think it was intentional.

00:09:37It's so competitive, isn't it?

00:09:38And I think it is, you know, at this level about winning your individual duels.

00:09:44You might be up against a World Cup winner,

00:09:47which a lot of these Moroccan players are going to be up against World Cup winners in the Argentinian side.

00:09:52It's taken some twisting of arms for some of these players to be involved in the Olympics this summer.

00:10:02Alvarez has discussed the great lengths that Maturano went to

00:10:06to have a chat with Manchester City about his availability for the competition.

00:10:13We were saying off-air the number of trophies that he's got.

00:10:17An Olympic gold medal is only going to come around every four years

00:10:20and it's an opportunity that he's champing at the bit to try and take.

00:10:23As is this man, Lucas Beltran, although his touch just escapes him slightly.

00:10:38And away in the middle of the park once more.

00:10:40Alvarez wanted it back after doing the hard graft,

00:10:42but it was made out towards Beltran and a free kick comes back for Argentina.

00:10:51It's just called Christian Medina by Amir Richardson.

00:11:05Argentina see the opportunity to press with numbers high.

00:11:09They certainly do that.

00:11:10There are triggers there.

00:11:12If a Moroccan defender takes an extra touch or a bad pass,

00:11:16they just go for it in fours and fives.

00:11:42Something from the training ground aimed towards Otamendi.

00:11:45It's not been cleared by the Moroccan defence at all.

00:11:48The second ball was certainly more worrying than the first.

00:11:52Almada.

00:12:00Seemingly optimistic to say the least.

00:12:02The effort from range.

00:12:05They've had plenty waiting around the penalty area for another delivery.

00:12:25Medina.

00:12:30Out to Soler, who they do want to get up and down that left flank.

00:12:33They can play a left midfield role as well for his club side,

00:12:36Llanos, back in Buenos Aires.

00:12:51Not sure they've really got the aerial threat, though.

00:12:55Beltran is tall enough to be able to get onto deliveries,

00:12:58but certainly seems to prefer the ball at his feet.

00:13:04The way they work the ball into the box will be with pace.

00:13:07It'll probably be cutbacks.

00:13:09The ball's in behind.

00:13:10He probably won't be throwing it into the box.

00:13:15Great high press once again from the South American side,

00:13:18but Hakimi and Co escape away with it.

00:13:21Hakimi trying to keep it alive, and he does well.

00:13:26Benseguet.

00:13:29It's a very good challenge from Joaquin Garcia.

00:13:34Morocco.

00:13:38They look really threatening in the final third,

00:13:41but a couple of decisions make it at the back of defenders,

00:13:45and you expect that from particularly young players.

00:13:48You understand why teams at the Olympics choose the overage players

00:13:52as goalkeepers, as one of the defenders,

00:13:55just to have that sort of experience.

00:13:57Hakimi, obviously, for Morocco.

00:14:00Rougy in goal for Argentina.

00:14:09It's almost like a paternal role that they have to play,

00:14:12the elder statesman, isn't it?

00:14:13Just calming everybody down, keeping heads screwed on.

00:14:17As well as negotiating with clubs to release players,

00:14:20it's about whereabouts on the field are they going to be most effective,

00:14:23and how do they affect the younger players?

00:14:25Because younger players will be completely inconsistent,

00:14:28but they'll need encouragement as well.

00:14:29That's the nature of learning the game,

00:14:31and that's certainly what a lot of these players are doing.

00:14:38Slight mistake with the pass there.

00:14:42Hagelin just trying to move it through.

00:14:45Slightly longer ball than he was hoping for,

00:14:47but played it right into the legs of a teammate.

00:14:50Elazuzi.

00:14:52Something challenged from Elcanussi.

00:14:54He has to make contact with the ball,

00:14:56otherwise it's an awkward one to explain to the official,

00:14:59if you don't.

00:15:08It certainly seems like a Morocco side

00:15:10that's lined up in a slightly different formation

00:15:12to what we were expecting,

00:15:13in terms of where some of the players are playing.

00:15:22As I say, Elazuzi is back there,

00:15:24almost in the back three of a back five.

00:15:30Hakimi in a slightly more aggressive wing-back role,

00:15:33with Elaudi on the other side, the number 11.

00:15:44It's only really Zenon on top of the 18-yard box for Argentina,

00:15:47I think, aiming it into.

00:15:52No training support for Alvarez,

00:15:54but he has to turn away from trouble.

00:15:57An optimistic lift towards goal,

00:15:59which will count as a shot, but not on target.

00:16:02Both teams have worked hard.

00:16:04The opening 15 minutes has not really been

00:16:07a high level of quality in the final third.

00:16:10Both teams are trying to establish themselves,

00:16:12getting used to the competition.

00:16:14It's a big competition for these players,

00:16:17particularly the younger, the under-23s players

00:16:19within the squad.

00:16:20It's a chance to make their mark in front of fans

00:16:23on the world stage in the Olympics.

00:16:26You've got to calm your nerves.

00:16:49He works into that right side for Joaquin Garcia.

00:17:01Had time to try and pick out a spot as well,

00:17:03but nobody else was up with the possession.

00:17:05A great example there of a player getting in a good position

00:17:09and not really looking about where he's going to put it,

00:17:12how many players in the box.

00:17:14When you've got four defenders against one attacker,

00:17:16you're not going to come out on top.

00:17:20Almada.

00:17:26Medina, just about keeping it alive.

00:17:29Soler.

00:17:43Garcia has to go backwards.

00:17:46Almada again, weaving his way through and finding Beltran.

00:17:54Alvarez, the intended target.

00:17:57Flag up on the far side of the field.

00:18:11Again, it's about getting players in the right area

00:18:14and then getting the ball there.

00:18:15Argentina have worked themselves into really good positions at times,

00:18:20but that final ball they've been a little bit loose with.

00:18:25Up until then, it's excellent.

00:18:26It's an inner gap.

00:18:27Runners in the right position, the ball into the right space.

00:18:36It's almost been played into the position

00:18:37that you want Lucas Beltran to be in,

00:18:39and he's the one laying it off out to that wing.

00:18:42Yes, sometimes players can do that.

00:18:44Put a ball in.

00:18:45That's where you're supposed to be.

00:18:46So the next time, get in there,

00:18:48but it doesn't help in terms of getting the shots on goal

00:18:52and getting themselves in front in this game.

00:18:58And the chase off the ball is a little more relentless

00:19:01suddenly from the Argentinians.

00:19:07And Azuzi.

00:19:11Hakimi.

00:19:42You're kicking off the whole of the Olympics

00:19:44before even the opening ceremony,

00:19:46so you've got to get your head around that,

00:19:48and I think these young players have settled well.

00:19:51Is that dangerous as a player?

00:19:52You have that adrenaline burst with the anthems

00:19:54and everything that comes from it,

00:19:55and then you can suddenly drop after 10, 15 minutes?

00:19:58Yes, you've just got to control what's going on in your head.

00:20:02You've got to rationalise it.

00:20:04You can't really think too deeply about it,

00:20:06and I think once you do start playing,

00:20:09and the adrenaline starts pumping,

00:20:12you find that that sort of takes over

00:20:14and gets rid of any nerves.

00:20:21A little bit of miscommunication there.

00:20:26Hazard did well, actually.

00:20:27He made a good decision once he'd come out.

00:20:40And 20 minutes gone.

00:20:42Nothing really for the goalkeepers to do so far.

00:20:45Opening game of the men's football at Paris 2024.

00:20:50When you think about it as well, Oli,

00:20:52not many of these teams play together regularly.

00:20:55You know, they might have been part of a...

00:20:57like Argentina, part of the 2023 qualifier,

00:21:00but they didn't have any overage players in there,

00:21:03and then, you know, Morocco, they won AFCON,

00:21:07but it's not always the same players,

00:21:09and you've just got to get into rhythms.

00:21:11You've got to develop relationships on the pitch,

00:21:13and that probably wouldn't come in the opening 20 minutes

00:21:15of the first game, with everything else going on as well.

00:21:18And they've got a new manager, Morocco, since that.

00:21:21Yeah, it was a strange decision, that was.

00:21:23That was...

00:21:24They got them through the qualifying,

00:21:26and then they changed managers.

00:21:28Yeah, Waleed Rekhraoui removed

00:21:31after some frustrating friendly performances,

00:21:33including losses, actually, to the sides

00:21:36in Group B, Iraq and the Ukraine.

00:21:41They don't want to start

00:21:43the opening game of Paris 2024 with another defeat.

00:21:49It's been a busy period for Tarek Sektiwi,

00:21:52who came in in March, took the reins.

00:21:55There's also rumours that he could be being lined up

00:21:57for the senior team job as well.

00:22:01He pushes on, then.

00:22:06He's in on.

00:22:07Well watched by Hakimi.

00:22:11It's going to be tough to get down that Moroccan right

00:22:13with Ashraf Hakimi there.

00:22:16And he sends it to the other side.

00:22:21That's where the Moroccans will go.

00:22:23Mouadi continuing his run up the field.

00:22:25Ben Seguir has to go backwards, though,

00:22:27being well watched by Garcia.

00:22:31Canoes.

00:22:34Akomash trying to line something up

00:22:36on the edge of the area, but he

00:22:38just swiped underneath it

00:22:40and swings well away from goal.

00:22:43Akomash did well there,

00:22:45coming in from that right-hand side

00:22:48on his left foot.

00:22:49It's just about having a goal,

00:22:51and it's something that Morocco haven't really done.

00:22:53But can you test the goalkeeper?

00:22:55Can you make Argentina think that you're a threat?

00:22:57In the end, that's just a bit wild.

00:22:59Probably got a little bit carried away,

00:23:01because as soon as Morocco get up the pitch,

00:23:03then the fans get right behind them.

00:23:05Vociferous noise.

00:23:07Certainly supporting them,

00:23:09and they were carried with that at the

00:23:11Afcon tournament that they won

00:23:13in the 23s tournament that they won.

00:23:15Certainly the crowd helped them there.

00:23:21Hakimi hitting the deck as he

00:23:23tits her with Alvarez.

00:23:26That's a potent combination on that

00:23:28Moroccan right, just going back to

00:23:30Akomash and Hakimi.

00:23:32Akomash, as we just saw, likes to come inside

00:23:34and drift in when he wants to.

00:23:36The Villarreal man, who

00:23:38is renowned in Spanish football

00:23:40for being able to beat a man and take on a man.

00:23:42And then you have Hakimi coming on the overlap

00:23:44as well.

00:23:46Certainly their most attacking side of the field.

00:23:48Akomash again,

00:23:50looking to take on Soler.

00:23:52Richardson.

00:23:56Alcanuz.

00:23:58The confidence starting to emanate

00:24:00from the Moroccan players.

00:24:04Free kick just

00:24:06breaks up their momentum once more.

00:24:08There's so much potential

00:24:10in this Moroccan side, and they're just

00:24:12buoyed by how well the senior side

00:24:14did in the World Cup

00:24:16semi-finals.

00:24:18I think then that you see the

00:24:20opportunity to have a little bit of play.

00:24:22Alcanuz.

00:24:24Then it's just about that final pass.

00:24:26Again, we talk about young players learning.

00:24:28A little bit of trickery, but then can you

00:24:30keep the ball straight after?

00:24:50CROWD ROARS

00:25:20CROWD ROARS

00:25:24Again, just as that

00:25:26Moroccan noise

00:25:28builds from the stands, Argentina

00:25:30decide to play it slowly out from the back

00:25:32and just stifle and sink

00:25:34it down once more.

00:25:36Just connecting

00:25:38passes. It's amazing what connecting passes

00:25:40does. It kills

00:25:42the press, because at some point you have to stop running

00:25:44and chasing if the opposition

00:25:46just take that extra pass

00:25:48and move the ball quickly.

00:25:50CROWD ROARS

00:25:52CROWD ROARS

00:25:54CROWD ROARS

00:25:56As they're chasing down, as it's swept out to the far

00:25:58side of the field, but

00:26:00overcooked slightly, there was plenty of space out

00:26:02there as well.

00:26:04CROWD ROARS

00:26:06CROWD ROARS

00:26:08CROWD ROARS

00:26:10CROWD ROARS

00:26:12CROWD ROARS

00:26:14CROWD ROARS

00:26:17Beltran flicks it on

00:26:19into the return pass, into the channel.

00:26:21CROWD ROARS

00:26:23CROWD ROARS

00:26:25CROWD ROARS

00:26:27And it's caught from behind, and that'll be a free

00:26:29kick.

00:26:31CROWD ROARS

00:26:33CROWD ROARS

00:26:35Morocco give

00:26:37Argentina a little bit of encouragement,

00:26:39either giving the ball away or just

00:26:41silly passes, silly fouls which

00:26:43should

00:26:45It should cause problems.

00:26:47I was just having a bit of a complaint

00:26:49to the fourth official

00:26:51saying that's probably not the first time that's happened.

00:26:55It's certainly not the first

00:26:57for Amir Richardson either.

00:26:59He's had a couple of nibbles.

00:27:07Just keep an eye on Otamendi.

00:27:09Just lurking towards where the

00:27:11corner of the D meets the penalty area.

00:27:13Looking towards him as well.

00:27:15Didn't really get the connection that he or any Argentinian

00:27:17player wanted.

00:27:19Yeah, at the moment the set pieces

00:27:21look like they're rooting

00:27:23both these two teams

00:27:25but I think Morocco

00:27:27have got more height there.

00:27:29Obviously looking at Otamendi but

00:27:31as soon as he's

00:27:33covered in red shirts then

00:27:35you've got a problem Argentinians.

00:27:37They need to be a bit clever about how they do get the ball into the box.

00:27:43As they couldn't get to it

00:27:55but Otamendi dealt with the danger.

00:28:01Pinned across looking for the feet of Almada

00:28:03broken up by Medina.

00:28:05Garcia.

00:28:13Just trying to draw Morocco up the pitch.

00:28:27Trying to find that space

00:28:29where they're up for themselves.

00:28:31That's what they're doing with Medina here.

00:28:33Boca Juniors midfielder.

00:28:37Garcia.

00:28:43Looking for Soler who was

00:28:45smothered immediately. Beltran though.

00:28:47That's a lovely touch to get away from one defender.

00:28:49He can't beat off two however.

00:28:51Great strength.

00:28:53Beltran there but well defended.

00:28:57Might be a chance here on the counter attack.

00:28:59Ben Seguir gets away with that touch.

00:29:05Wasn't a bad ball either.

00:29:07Just slightly behind Rahimi.

00:29:13Could have done with here.

00:29:15I know what he's trying to do.

00:29:19It either needs to be on target

00:29:21or it needs to be right into his feet.

00:29:23Just a little bit too much on it.

00:29:29Some real breakout moments with Monaco

00:29:31in Ligue 1 last season.

00:29:33Ben Seguir.

00:29:35Wonderful young teenage talent.

00:29:37Really impressed in the second part of the season.

00:29:39That's the thing you can say about this Morocco squad.

00:29:41Super talented.

00:29:43It's just about how quickly can they be cohesive.

00:29:45How quickly can they get themselves going

00:29:47as a group.

00:29:49There's something that

00:29:51the manager said actually

00:29:53in the build-up to these games.

00:29:55One of the hardest things was

00:29:57it's not a big squad you can pick from.

00:29:59You've got 18 players and then

00:30:01four in reserve as well.

00:30:03Trying to find the correct group

00:30:05to play against.

00:30:07Trying to find the correct group

00:30:09that are all talented but can also

00:30:11actually play together and have cohesion

00:30:13very quickly.

00:30:15The jobs that need to be done on the football pitch

00:30:17in various parts of the pitch

00:30:19can't all be the ones that produce the skill

00:30:21that need to play.

00:30:23It's a mixture.

00:30:27It's a strong challenge on Achomash

00:30:29as he's upended but Argentina come away with it once more.

00:30:33It's their turn to put their foot on the gas.

00:30:35He's reached across to that far side

00:30:37and he can't keep it in play.

00:30:39Achomash there, brilliant.

00:30:41He's starting to get confident on that right-hand side

00:30:43for Morocco knowing that he can take players on.

00:30:45Low centre of gravity.

00:30:47Actually got the ball didn't he?

00:30:49It was really well won.

00:30:51In the end

00:30:53he just managed to nick it away.

00:30:55Took the player as well

00:30:57but got the ball.

00:30:59That's a tough challenge on a young player.

00:31:05That's just a little bit of a warning

00:31:07in his ear.

00:31:09He's started to look a little bit clever

00:31:11with the ball.

00:31:13Achomash

00:31:15obviously could cause a problem for Argentina

00:31:17to only just recognise that.

00:31:19Just give him the old experienced foul

00:31:21that he wasn't given.

00:31:35It's just a referee.

00:32:05No space down this near side once again.

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00:40:01It's just, the referee giving a yellow card there just made a big thing out of that situation.

00:40:07Which isn't as close to the technical areas that involve the sideline as well.

00:40:12There's a pocket of space in the centre of the field.

00:40:32That's neatly not done as well for Alvarez.

00:40:37So they're in support.

00:40:38So they're in support.

00:40:39So they're in support.

00:40:40And Cross for Garcia.

00:40:43Bursting into the space, but perhaps a rush of blood to the head slightly.

00:40:47He'll get it back though and have support once again from Almada.

00:40:59They've been on the edge a few times offensively, Morocco.

00:41:02But when it's needed, they've managed to stay strong and stay compact.

00:41:07And not really allowed Argentina much of a sniff.

00:41:15Medina.

00:41:26Soler inside.

00:41:27Soler inside.

00:41:28Almada.

00:41:31Left back wins it back.

00:41:33And Gainly with the pass.

00:41:41Just as quickly as it came, it's given straight away.

00:41:44There's a shooting chance from distance here.

00:41:47No one fancied it.

00:42:02Just opening up a little more in the middle of the park.

00:42:07Bensegui.

00:42:09Loves to cut inside and work his magic, but no room to pick out a teammate.

00:42:15Thread the needle between the Argentinian defenders.

00:42:17Another free kick just stifles the Moroccans' play.

00:42:20This game has a lot of exciting things in it, but it certainly needs a goal.

00:42:27That old saying, you think a goal will certainly liven it up and just force the team that's

00:42:34from 1-0 down to play a little bit differently, a bit more adventurous.

00:42:38But it's been entertaining.

00:42:48Yeah, the blue touch paper is there waiting to be lit.

00:42:51Just needs that spark.

00:42:55Plenty who can provide it, though.

00:43:15Slightly awkward for Roushi, and then he overpings that one out to Sollet.

00:43:31Both teams decide to press a little bit higher.

00:43:34They have forced mistakes.

00:43:37Technically, not quite up to it in terms of what they should be.

00:43:41The players are losing possession, but it certainly works if they've got the energy of it.

00:43:46It's a warm day.

00:43:53Shock to the system as well for the Argentinians as it's their winter right now.

00:43:57It's not a warm place, Buenos Aires, at this time of year.

00:44:02Safely away by the Ajax goalkeeper.

00:44:05It's been a tough season. Been struggling with a shoulder injury that kept him out for the early part of the campaign.

00:44:14Not been tested too much yet.

00:44:16Hakimi trying to change that.

00:44:17He's been laid off to the edge of the area.

00:44:20Enough Argentinian bodies in the way to break up the effort of El Cano.

00:44:28It's really well played by Alvarez and their runners in support too.

00:44:31Veltran stays in the centre.

00:44:34Zenon.

00:44:38Finds the centre forward.

00:44:40He can't find Christian Medina.

00:44:42Took too much time.

00:44:44Zenon there.

00:44:45As soon as you get Morocco out of shape and players trying to get back and defend,

00:44:50you've got to move the ball quickly when you've got that overload in numbers.

00:44:54Again, decision making.

00:45:01Boca Juniors fans have been very frustrated that Zenon isn't currently available.

00:45:06He's away on international duty.

00:45:08He's been providing goals aplenty for the likes of Edison Cavani who leads the attack for Boca.

00:45:15It's almost surprising to see him delaying the decision making.

00:45:22He's wonderfully instinctive.

00:45:32Two minutes of stoppage time to be played here in Sant'Etienne.

00:45:42Seguir has just become unshackled and is allowed to roam in the latter part of this half.

00:45:58As you said Lucy, it's becoming a bit bitty.

00:46:00Yeah, it's on the edge a little bit and I think the referee just needs to get a grip

00:46:07There's been a few of those late challenges.

00:46:09The ball's just been released.

00:46:13Too much physicality.

00:46:25Akovash.

00:46:32Tagalin.

00:46:40Space on this near side for Hakimi.

00:46:52Into play between the captain and the midfielder Tagalin.

00:46:55Hakimi trying to continue the move as well with Akovash.

00:46:58Got a great left foot, Akovash.

00:47:03Coming inside a few times but deals with the ball so well.

00:47:10Came up through the Spanish international set up as well.

00:47:14Akovash playing at the under 21 and under 19 level.

00:47:21There you see it on show.

00:47:25It's a wonderful touch from him and a beautiful opening goal.

00:47:28Tucked in by Soufey Rahimi.

00:47:32El Canoos and Akovash, the architects of a wonderful opening goal in the Olympics for Morocco.

00:47:48Talk about Akovash and he was the master of that.

00:47:52But it's about getting beyond and that's a great ball.

00:47:54We haven't seen enough of that in this first half.

00:47:58Particularly from Morocco.

00:48:00Clever play.

00:48:01He knows that El Canoos is going beyond but it's all about the ball across.

00:48:05So difficult for Rouji to get on the end of that but what a terrific finish that is.

00:48:11Great finish.

00:48:13You can see what it means to these players and the crowd go absolutely wild.

00:48:16First bit of quality that Morocco have had in front of goal and they've got themselves in front.

00:48:36Incredible scenes in Saint-Etienne.

00:48:40And the perfect time to find the breakthrough as well.

00:48:47They've got some really good individuals Morocco.

00:48:51And if they get better and better within this tournament then they'll be a real handful.

00:48:57Because just at moments they can connect with each other like that.

00:49:00Then you cannot stop that as a defence.

00:49:06And it isn't necessarily the Argentinian defence letting themselves down.

00:49:09It's the quality of that touch from Akovash.

00:49:12The ingenuity between he and Bilal El Canoos.

00:49:18Moving the ball quickly.

00:49:20As soon as you start to move the ball quickly, whoever you're playing against, it's so difficult to defend against.

00:49:26Well it's not the start that Argentina were hoping for as one of the tournament favourites to get the gold.

00:49:32It is Morocco in lead at half time in the opening game of Paris 2024.

00:49:38It's Argentina 0, Morocco 1.

00:49:43Wonderful venue for world football.

00:49:49Of course it was used in France 98 as well.

00:49:52A certain game between England and Argentina took place in this stadium.

00:49:58Those Morocco fans have been enjoying every last minute of it in the sunshine.

00:50:02The big hats are needed to find a bit of shade.

00:50:07The only thing that Argentina want to do is hide away.

00:50:09Not from the sunshine, but perhaps from the opening 45 minutes that certainly hasn't gone their way.

00:50:15Much to the delight of those in red and green in the stands.

00:50:19Lucy Ward alongside myself, Oliver Wilson for this one.

00:50:23What needs to happen for Argentina in this second half?

00:50:26Because every time you think they've maybe garnered a bit of momentum,

00:50:30it gets killed off by either sloppy passing or inconsistent play in that attack.

00:50:35Morocco have actually given them a chance in front of goal.

00:50:38Because they've lost it a few times in that defensive third that's caused Morocco a problem.

00:50:43But Argentina have failed to capitalise.

00:50:45It's just a little bit of quality needed in front of goal.

00:50:47But the thing is they have that.

00:50:48Look who's playing.

00:50:49Alvarez, Beltran, Almada.

00:50:51They should have that sort of quality.

00:50:53But it's about them clicking.

00:50:55That sort of cohesiveness is what's going to win them gold.

00:50:59But they've got a long way to go at the moment.

00:51:02Certainly not a gold star performance, let alone a gold medal performance.

00:51:05But that man, Tarek Sektiwi, will not be too fussed about what Argentina are doing.

00:51:11The Morocco boss who's only been in the job for a few months

00:51:13has worked wonders with how he's set his side up to stifle and smother Argentina

00:51:19when they come forward and really put pressure on them defensively.

00:51:22The one thing perhaps you look at with Morocco is

00:51:25when you saw the likes of Otamendi bossing that back line,

00:51:28they looked a little light, if you know what I mean, going forward.

00:51:31Yeah, physically they are.

00:51:32And I think that the fact that Rahimi's the one who's come up with the goal

00:51:36is he's got that sort of experience, movement, gets in the right positions.

00:51:41He just hadn't been fed.

00:51:42He'd not had that sort of ball into the box.

00:51:44You know, Akomash has done really well from the right-hand side with his left foot,

00:51:48but not really with the quality of delivery.

00:51:53They'll be hoping Rahimi can provide another in this second half.

00:51:58More needed from the likes of Thiago Almada in the second half,

00:52:10as Almada will perhaps look to lead from that number 10 position,

00:52:15an Argentinian Almada and an onslaught on the Moroccan goal for this second half.

00:52:29It is Argentina that eventually get us underway for the second period,

00:52:33playing from left to right on your screens as we kick off the men's football

00:52:38from Paris 2024.

00:52:40They trail a Moroccan outfit that have been superb in this first 45 minutes

00:52:47of their opening game and have the advantage by the slender margin

00:52:52of one goal to nil, thanks to the strike from Safian Rahimi

00:52:55just before half-time.

00:53:02Medina, a good fielder for the Argentines, just flipping it out to this near side.

00:53:06Joaquin Garcia, who's had very little to thrive on,

00:53:09going up and down the right flank.

00:53:15It's had a frustrating Copa de la Liga in Argentina.

00:53:18He went to the final with Vélez Sarsfield, but Costa Estudiantes

00:53:22on penalties. He was integral, though, in Vélez's performances

00:53:27in the early part of that competition that got them into the final.

00:53:37Soler has also been limited to the number of times he can try and get forward

00:53:41and that's miscued by Zenon, who, considering there was a fair bit

00:53:45of expectation on the Boca Juniors left midfielder,

00:53:48has not exactly risen to the occasion so far today.

00:53:51No, he hasn't. I think the way that Morocco have defended numbers,

00:53:56but he just hasn't had... It's not really clicked for him yet

00:53:59on that left-hand side for Argentina, but they need to get up and support him

00:54:03as well, particularly Soler. Behind him, either go inside him

00:54:06or go beyond him and overlap.

00:54:11A few supporters just gathering in that entryway, trying to be as close

00:54:14to the field as possible there. I'm not sure if you sat down

00:54:17in the front row, you really appreciate those stood up

00:54:20just behind the advertising hoardings.

00:54:30Canoes just delaying slightly and was almost picked off

00:54:33in the end in possession.

00:54:43Blocked off by Soler.

00:54:47You know, it's tough for a teenager as well, Julio Soler.

00:54:50You've got to deal with Akomash and Hakimi on that flank.

00:54:54Yeah, Hakimi is such a quality player, so experienced.

00:54:57It's great that he's full of motivation

00:55:00to captain this Moroccan team in the Olympics,

00:55:03lead this group of young players, but when you're playing

00:55:06against him, then it's so, so difficult.

00:55:09Good learning curve though.

00:55:11Ben Seguir.

00:55:15A little bit of space in the middle of the park,

00:55:17just about exploited by Richardson.

00:55:20Where does he go from here?

00:55:23Ben Seguir, just got away from him, only a whisker.

00:55:28I'll tell you what, Morocco can sense that this game

00:55:31is to be won, they've just got to make sure that they're thorough

00:55:34at the back, just taking a few more risks in that final third

00:55:37and think that they can get at this Argentinian defence.

00:55:45I can afford to be just a touch more patient as well.

00:55:48Let opportunities come their way and hold possession

00:55:51when they can and when they want to.

00:55:54Akomash causing trouble once again down that far side,

00:55:57and he's come away with it, and he's cutting inside,

00:56:00and was he tripped? That's a penalty.

00:56:03That's a penalty.

00:56:06That's a penalty.

00:56:09That's a penalty.

00:56:12That's a penalty.

00:56:18The man who is terrorising that Argentinian back line

00:56:21gives Morocco the chance from 12 yards

00:56:24to double their advantage.

00:56:27The smile on his face says it all, Akomash,

00:56:30and what he did is he got the better of Otamendi down that side,

00:56:33came away with it, and now you cannot do it, you cannot lay a finger,

00:56:36that was not much of a touch, but as soon as you've got a player

00:56:39like that running with the ball, as soon as he feels a touch

00:56:42he's going to go down it. It looks to me like Salah

00:56:45just a little bit naive there, and he made the most of it,

00:56:48didn't he? And now the referee, right in front of the referee,

00:56:51he knows he's got to touch.

00:56:54Argentina think that VAR is going to look at that and think

00:56:57is there enough in that contact, but silly really of Salah

00:57:00to just touch him.

00:57:03It's the hands on the back that...

00:57:06Yeah, you can't do it because it invites...

00:57:09I know it's probably a dive, he wouldn't go down like that

00:57:12if you touched him in the street like that, but just keep your hands off.

00:57:18It's the contact almost that Akomash is waiting for

00:57:21in that moment as well. Especially when you're running at speed,

00:57:24you've talked about, Oli, about the not quite as physical,

00:57:27the slight low centre of gravity so they move really quickly,

00:57:30and it's easy to knock players like that down.

00:57:34Pity for his thoughts.

00:57:38Things are going from bad to worse

00:57:41for Mascherano.

00:57:44They need something big from

00:57:47Jeronimo Ruggi here between the posts.

00:57:52Ruggi against Rahimi.

00:57:59What an important goal this could be in terms of

00:58:03putting Morocco in a dominant position in this game.

00:58:06Potentially a dominant position in this group.

00:58:09Tucked away into the bottom corner,

00:58:12Ruggi goes the right way, but he can't keep it out.

00:58:15Rahimi second, Morocco second,

00:58:18and it is a scintillating start to the second half

00:58:21for the North African nation.

00:58:24Tell you what, Oli, it's all about having

00:58:27experienced players in the right areas, and Morocco

00:58:30certainly got that. So you've got Rahimi,

00:58:33who is not affected whatsoever about taking that penalty,

00:58:36finished the first goal.

00:58:39There was a lot of Argentinian players who were trying to put him off

00:58:42and delay the taking of the penalty kick, but look at that.

00:58:45Even the goalkeeper dives the right way,

00:58:48so it doesn't touch him. So when you need that sort of experience

00:58:51in front of goal, and you get a player that scores two goals,

00:58:54all of a sudden there's a mountain to climb for Argentina.

00:59:01Cool, calm and collected.

00:59:08Not the same in the stands, however.

00:59:21It's a mountain to climb now for Argentina

00:59:24to get themselves back into this one. They've shown

00:59:27very little sign going forward that they've got the attacking quality

00:59:30at least this afternoon on the pitch, even if it's there on paper.

00:59:33There's an immediate urgency.

00:59:36Almada has got away from Alvarez.

00:59:39If they push bodies forward, there are going to be opportunities

00:59:42on the counter-attack, and this is a fast-paced Moroccan attack

00:59:45that can hit you in that sort of manner. Rahimi's on a hat-trick as well.

00:59:49Well, Garcia then,

00:59:52really well defended, but Argentina,

00:59:55either these players on the pitch need to play better,

00:59:58or they need some changes urgently, because

01:00:01the longer this goes on, the more difficult it will be

01:00:04for them to get anything out of this opening game,

01:00:07and you know how important opening games are in group tournament

01:00:10competitions.

01:00:13Almada stuck down on this near sideline,

01:00:16with nowhere really to go with it.

01:00:19Gets the support from Garcia, the right-back.

01:00:25Medina.

01:00:33A one by De Cesare.

01:00:36He's keeping possession.

01:00:42Given away by Alvarez.

01:00:45Hasn't really got into this game yet, has he, Julian Alvarez?

01:00:48That's wonderful from Hakimi, great fancy footwork

01:00:51through the centre.

01:00:54A great play.

01:00:57I keep talking about the experienced players in the team,

01:01:00but they help the younger players.

01:01:03Hakimi realises Argentina have put the pressure on,

01:01:06they've just conceded a second goal.

01:01:09Use my pace to get up the pitch. Any sort of challenge, I'll go down.

01:01:12The pressure is back on Argentina.

01:01:15Morocco have got a free kick, and they can organise themselves again.

01:01:20If you're wondering why Ashraf Hakimi wasn't taking the penalty,

01:01:23it might be because, just in a local friendly

01:01:26against Villafranche-Belgiula,

01:01:29he actually missed two penalties in that encounter.

01:01:32He may have been stripped of penalty-taking duties

01:01:35for the time being.

01:01:38Argentina making a change,

01:01:41Simeone coming on.

01:01:44Let's see what he can do to add a little bit of attacking gusto

01:01:47to the centre-forward who plays his football

01:01:50at Atletico Madrid in Spain. He was on loan at Alaves last season.

01:02:02Medina comes away with it.

01:02:05Firm but fair in the challenge, Soler.

01:02:12They'll turn out to this near side.

01:02:26A great challenge on the substitute.

01:02:29Ben Seguir using the space given to him on the left flank.

01:02:32Morocco have still got a player down as well on the far side of the field,

01:02:35but they're happy seemingly to get on with things, as Ben Seguir was.

01:02:42They've got something to keep hold of, Morocco.

01:02:45It means that Argentina have got to come out,

01:02:48which means that, while they're trying to get a goal,

01:02:51they're going to leave spaces for when Morocco...

01:02:54It's about managing the game now, as far as Morocco are concerned.

01:02:57Argentina need something, they need some sort of moment from someone.

01:03:06That's perhaps the young man they're going to look to to try and provide it.

01:03:10It does seem that he's just going to be sat on the right-hand side of almost a front three now, if you will.

01:03:16Can play wide, Simeone.

01:03:19He's done that on occasion last season for Alaves.

01:03:29Confirmation from Zenon on his departure.

01:03:32As I say, he never really grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck

01:03:36and got up to speed, or the high standard being set by the opposition.

01:03:47Ilias Akomash, I think he's able to pick himself up off the deck.

01:03:50He's going to be integral, you feel,

01:03:53for their chances of going as deep into this competition as they can, Morocco.

01:04:00Had a chance to take some adulation as well from the supporters while you were at it.

01:04:03You know, it probably took him about 10 or 15 minutes of this game to start enjoying it, Akomash,

01:04:07and since then, you know, you've got a flair player and they feel on top of the game

01:04:11and they feel like they can do anything. That just looks like him at the moment.

01:04:18Finished eighth at the Olympics in Munich in 1972, did Morocco, it's their

01:04:25best performance at an Olympic Games.

01:04:27You get the feeling that this side could go a lot further than that this year.

01:04:34You've got to see this one out though, Simeone sent it in.

01:04:38It's a more inviting ball for a centre forward.

01:04:41Alvarez in hot pursuit but couldn't keep it in.

01:04:43Yeah, it's another story of Argentina, you know,

01:04:46balls have been put into the right areas but they haven't had the players there or

01:04:50the players have been there and the quality of the ball into the box

01:04:53has been poor and just not clipped yet.

01:05:03Chance for Morocco to try and roll the dice from the substitute's bench.

01:05:12They need to make sure they deal with this pressure as Medina brings it under control.

01:05:17Just lacking that crispness in the quality of possession though.

01:05:22Nsegui loves a game when it's stretched like this.

01:05:26Abdeh, Ezhelzouli waiting to come on.

01:05:40Elouadi, caught by the midfielder.

01:05:44Elouadi, caught by the midfielder.

01:05:47Elouadi, caught by the midfielder.

01:05:54Any chance now that Morocco get to just change the rhythm of the game,

01:06:00change the tempo, whether it's a free kick, whatever it is, substitution,

01:06:06and then suddenly take that.

01:06:09And it's Akomashu who is making way after being down on the deck for a few moments.

01:06:21Incredibly engrossing debut at the Olympics for him.

01:06:27Ezhelzouli now has to live up to the standard that's been set on that right flank.

01:06:33Real Betis player can get his chance and he's straight into the thick of things.

01:06:41All you need is to run straight into the referee when you come on.

01:06:45It's the last person you want to annoy, isn't it?

01:06:47Absolutely.

01:06:49It's a good flick on to Rahimi.

01:06:52Look at the substitute straight up with the pace of play, just needs to pull back for the forward now.

01:06:57Chance.

01:07:03So well as well down that right-hand side.

01:07:05Ezhelzouli picked him out.

01:07:07It's a difficult finish.

01:07:08There's two waiting on that far side, but there's no way on earth was Rahimi going to do anything but shoot there.

01:07:15And he just was a little bit safe making sure with this shot.

01:07:18It just made it easy.

01:07:24Difficult perhaps with the ball coming across him like that.

01:07:33Half an hour to go for Argentina.

01:07:47Free kick.

01:07:48In a very dangerous position.

01:07:51Well, it's made a difference.

01:07:53Simeone willing to make those runs down that right-hand side.

01:07:57And I thought that perhaps it would have been better keeping going because rather than going down,

01:08:01you don't know where the referee is going to give you, particularly as you throw your arms in the air.

01:08:04But now he's given the free kick.

01:08:07It's a big opportunity for Argentina to get themselves back in this game.

01:08:12Can they make Morocco wobble?

01:08:14Because at the moment they just look calm and quite happy to be leading two goals to nil.

01:08:22It's the Botafogo man, Almada.

01:08:24Floats it in towards that back stick.

01:08:29So there goes down.

01:08:30And that's a free kick.

01:08:31And it's a free kick.

01:08:32And it's a free kick.

01:08:33And it's a free kick.

01:08:34And it's a free kick.

01:08:35And it's a free kick.

01:08:36And it's a free kick.

01:08:38So there goes down.

01:08:39And that's a free kick.

01:08:44Much to the surprise of Achraf Akemi.

01:08:46Yes, he gets that really.

01:08:48He's going absolutely nowhere.

01:08:50Soler knew...

01:08:52...Morocco foul completely.

01:08:55Akemi should absolutely know better.

01:08:58Screwed by a younger player there.

01:09:01Stronger hands from Akemi on Soler than...

01:09:04Soler on Akemi for the penalty.

01:09:06Soler has learned something in this game.

01:09:08To go down if you feel something on your back.

01:09:12It's a busy 18-yard box that's lacking perhaps in a bit of height.

01:09:16Let's keep an eye on Otamendi towards the near part of your screen.

01:09:20Near the far post for the free kick.

01:09:24Straight down the keeper's throne.

01:09:25Well punched away by El-Khazoui.

01:09:28A referee by the looks of it.

01:09:30But dealt well with that.

01:09:32Because they're going to be putting the pressure.

01:09:34It's probably going to be at least half an hour left.

01:09:38And Argentina will just keep going.

01:09:40Trying to put the pressure on Morocco.

01:09:58Not too sure where the free kick was there.

01:10:01But it has been given.

01:10:03There was a little push in there.

01:10:06Let Morocco off the hook.

01:10:12Helouadi.

01:10:14That's in the referee's book.

01:10:16And a card for the full back.

01:10:27Great control that from Medina.

01:10:51Just to bring it out of the air.

01:10:52Very awkward height.

01:10:53This could be an awkward situation.

01:10:55With the pressure being put on by El-Khazoui.

01:11:04Beltran brings it out of the air and down on the deck.

01:11:06Alvarez loses it once more.

01:11:10Looking like a player who's already played in a major competition this summer.

01:11:14And has had a long season with Manchester City.

01:11:21Simeone.

01:11:22Beltran needs a pullback.

01:11:26And it was there.

01:11:27Just his teammates weren't.

01:11:28Alvarez needed to bust a gut to get in there.

01:11:31He needed to do everything he could and he didn't.

01:11:34Completely the wrong space.

01:11:39You can tell that Morocco smelled blood on the counter attack coming the other way.

01:11:43He's got to rally the troops defensively once more.

01:11:45Although Simeone has let himself down and his teammates down with that touch.

01:11:49Which was way too much of it to Oussama Togholine.

01:11:52Although he's given it away in a dangerous position as well.

01:11:55Beltran trying to get his foot onto it around the defender.

01:11:58But just shipped it away by Elouade.

01:12:04Just did enough then defensively.

01:12:06Morocco is eased out of the way.

01:12:13In this atmosphere, that's why the intensity has been quite high.

01:12:18That's why the challenges have been in there.

01:12:20Because the fans just encouraging all sets of players.

01:12:23Particularly the Morocco fans.

01:12:25For their players just to look at that intensity.

01:12:29Medina trying to weave away through a very crowded heart of the pitch.

01:12:34As Azuli.

01:12:37Feet weren't quick enough for what his head wanted to do with it.

01:12:42Suddenly wide open this one.

01:12:44And you feel just a slight mistake from either side could change this game completely with the next goal.

01:12:48It's going to be so important.

01:12:51Beltran.

01:12:54Look at the space in front of Hakimi.

01:13:00Morocco don't need to score a third.

01:13:03They don't need to take risks.

01:13:05They need to probably keep the ball better.

01:13:07Because a lot of the time they're giving the ball away.

01:13:10And a lot of work when they haven't got it.

01:13:12It's a warm afternoon.

01:13:19Hakimi again.

01:13:20Making sure that.

01:13:21He recognized moments in the game where his teammates need a little bit of help.

01:13:28It's a good run.

01:13:29Medina but in the end just too many.

01:13:31Because that's what Morocco have done all the way through the game.

01:13:34They've ensured that they've got bodies around the ball in the right areas.

01:13:40Just going back to what you said about Hakimi there.

01:13:43We didn't see it too often in the first half.

01:13:45But already he's coming inside playing higher up the pitch.

01:13:49An authoritative figure.

01:13:51Vital positions. Elouadi.

01:13:55Hakimi.

01:13:58Medina again getting back to do the defensive midfield work.

01:14:19Luciano Gondor.

01:14:24Getting prepared.

01:14:25Another center forward.

01:14:27Getting ready to be thrown into the equation.

01:14:31Plays his football back in Argentina with Argentinos Juniors.

01:14:34It's very good actually in the Olympic qualifying tournament for Argentina.

01:14:49Three of his four goals came from substitute appearances as well Gondor.

01:14:54A lot more of the same this afternoon.

01:15:04A bit of space on this near side for Garcia.

01:15:11That's a better ball in.

01:15:13There's more room here for Soler.

01:15:15Drags it across goal and it's turned in.

01:15:18And it's the substitute.

01:15:19Juliano Simeone.

01:15:22And Argentina are right back in this one suddenly.

01:15:26And the pressure that's been building pays off at an important time midway through this second half.

01:15:32Yeah they look like they're preparing substitutes but Morocco just losing concentration.

01:15:38That cross was brilliant but it needed closing down earlier.

01:15:42And he's shown a lot since he's come on.

01:15:44A willingness to run in behind and he gets his rewards here at Simeone.

01:15:48And that's a difficult finish.

01:15:50Could have gone absolutely anywhere.

01:15:52You saw the speed of the cross and it's terrific.

01:15:56And he couldn't even believe it himself you just see there.

01:16:00Great for Argentina getting themselves back in this game.

01:16:12Santiago Hetzer has come off it like Ezequiel Fernandez came on.

01:16:17Brunami on it.

01:16:18As well the centre back.

01:16:22Has also made his way onto the field.

01:16:24We'll bring you confirmation of those Argentina changes in just a moment.

01:16:28It's an important lifeline from Simeone.

01:16:31For Argentina.

01:16:34A player who was out at the start of the season through injury.

01:16:37Missed the qualification tournament because of his slow coming back from a broken ankle.

01:16:47And a card being shown there as Rahimi is remonstrating with the official.

01:16:52It has suggested that he could overheat this game.

01:16:57Through various points for the tackles that are made.

01:17:01A full commitment of both sets of players.

01:17:03But now Morocco have just conceded that goal.

01:17:06Just need to temper those arguments.

01:17:15Fairness to de Cesare with that one.

01:17:17Doesn't lead with the leg out.

01:17:19He pulls himself back in after making contact.

01:17:21And it's just the leap.

01:17:22As opposed to anything overly malicious with Studs showing.

01:17:28Rahimi has just got to keep cool on his temper.

01:17:3420 minutes to go.

01:17:37Things just need to simmer rather than boil over.

01:17:49Eventually back to his feet.

01:17:56Bilal Elkanous.

01:17:58It's a tough challenge that.

01:18:00Probably winded which.

01:18:02That's why the reaction of his teammates.

01:18:09Get to play in the third place playoff.

01:18:12Qatar 2022.

01:18:14Elkanous.

01:18:15It was his only appearance.

01:18:16It was actually his international debut for the Moroccan senior side.

01:18:19Which is a.

01:18:20Not too shabby a place to make it.

01:18:26Just got to wait to come back on here.

01:18:28So Argentina line up this free kick.

01:18:31Confirmation Beltran, Eze and Soler the ones to.

01:18:34Come off.

01:18:36It's a great ball in as well.

01:18:37And it's a phenomenal save from close range.

01:18:40From El Kadri.

01:18:42What a save that is.

01:18:44Kept his team.

01:18:45Absolutely in.

01:18:47This opening group game.

01:18:48What a ball.

01:18:50Just taking a chance at that far post.

01:18:52And making sure that you're the first one on to it.

01:18:55Didn't defend it well there.

01:18:57That is absolutely.

01:18:59Terrific.

01:19:01What a first touch that would have been.

01:19:03I mean only to come on.

01:19:05Provide that.

01:19:15There are going to be now.

01:19:16Some nerves jangling from those supporters in the crowd.

01:19:19Let alone the Moroccan players on the pitch.

01:19:29Almada.

01:19:32Well won back by El Canoes.

01:19:38Ben Seguir trying to keep possession alive for Morocco.

01:19:40Almada though.

01:19:42Alvarez able to.

01:19:43Find Gondou.

01:19:46Played well Richardson.

01:19:47In that central midfield.

01:19:49Doesn't look like a central midfielder.

01:19:50He's quite.

01:19:51Tall and lean.

01:19:52But he deals with the ball really really well.

01:19:54Here he is again.

01:19:56Good touch for a big man as well.

01:19:58As he comes forward.

01:20:00Ben Seguir.

01:20:05Contact on the back of Rahimi.

01:20:07But.

01:20:08Nothing given.

01:20:09He's staying down.

01:20:10As Argentina come the other way.

01:20:16Fernandez.

01:20:21Medina.

01:20:22Space on this near side.

01:20:25Almada.

01:20:30They seem to be.

01:20:31Building up ahead of steam.

01:20:32Argentina every time they go forward.

01:20:34But when you deliver a ball like that.

01:20:36It's a problem.

01:20:37And he knows that.

01:20:38You just keep the pressure going.

01:20:40The other end.

01:20:41Rahimi.

01:20:42Really thought that.

01:20:43Perhaps he'd been.

01:20:44Fouled.

01:20:45Right on the edge of the box.

01:20:46Which.

01:20:47Would have resulted in a free kick.

01:20:48In a.

01:20:49Really good area.

01:20:50In Toronto.

01:20:51Just using his temper.

01:21:02You would probably expect that.

01:21:04A free kick be given there.

01:21:07Not to say that it is a free kick.

01:21:08But you would expect.

01:21:09The expectation is that the referee would give that.

01:21:11And I think that's.

01:21:12Why the reaction was.

01:21:13Rahimi.

01:21:14Is obviously.

01:21:16An issue but.

01:21:22Yes.

01:21:23It's been bubbling under.

01:21:24Hasn't it?

01:21:25Between the two sets of players.

01:21:26I think it's the atmosphere as well.

01:21:28I think.

01:21:29The Moroccan fans.

01:21:30Certainly.

01:21:31Get behind.

01:21:32Get right behind their team.

01:21:38It's the stands.

01:21:39It's the occasion.

01:21:41It's the fact that.

01:21:42Perhaps the upset.

01:21:43Was on the cards as well.

01:21:44From Morocco.

01:21:45And it's.

01:21:47Almost tough to see it.

01:21:49Slipping away from them.

01:21:51As a.

01:21:52Non supporters.

01:21:53Come on to the pitch.

01:21:54To.

01:21:55Try and catch a moment.

01:21:56With one of their heroes.

01:21:59Can't necessarily condone.

01:22:01Fans.

01:22:02Young or old.

01:22:03Getting on to the pitch.

01:22:04In the middle of a game.

01:22:05But.

01:22:06Seems to happen.

01:22:07So often.

01:22:08Imagine.

01:22:09There'd be about 20 of them.

01:22:10If Lionel Messi.

01:22:11Had made this.

01:22:12Olympic side.

01:22:16Now the Swedish official.

01:22:17Decides to go.

01:22:18Across to the sidelines.

01:22:19And calm everything down.

01:22:20Because.

01:22:21Mascherano.

01:22:22You saw there.

01:22:23Was rather heated.

01:22:24Rahimi's not exactly.

01:22:25Cooled off.

01:22:26From the looks of it.

01:22:27It's very agitated.

01:22:28The center forward.

01:22:30He just wants to get back.

01:22:31Onto the pitch.

01:22:32As quickly as possible.

01:22:33In the meantime.

01:22:34It's only about 15 minutes.

01:22:35To go.

01:22:36Plus what.

01:22:37I imagine will be.

01:22:38A fairly extensive amount.

01:22:39Of stoppage time.

01:22:59That extended break.

01:23:00May have just taken the.

01:23:02Sting out of this one.

01:23:03Slightly.

01:23:04Yeah.

01:23:05The momentum.

01:23:06Certainly switched in.

01:23:07Just.

01:23:08Prolonged bits of pressure.

01:23:09The.

01:23:10Substitutes.

01:23:11Had made a difference.

01:23:12A positive difference.

01:23:14Morocco had struggled.

01:23:15To deal with the changes.

01:23:16That Argentina had made.

01:23:17But.

01:23:18You know.

01:23:19When they'd be.

01:23:20Back to the wall.

01:23:21They've certainly produced.

01:23:22In this game already.

01:23:23Morocco.

01:23:24And they will expect to hang on.

01:23:25But it will be easy.

01:23:32Every Moroccan player.

01:23:33Back behind the ball.

01:23:34For the moment.

01:23:36Garcia.

01:23:38Simeone.

01:23:44Back the substitute.

01:23:45Gets it from Alvarez.

01:23:57Armada.

01:23:58Thread the needle.

01:23:59Medina close to it.

01:24:02Free kick is.

01:24:03Going to be given.

01:24:04To.

01:24:05The.

01:24:06Referee.

01:24:07It's difficult.

01:24:08He was caught.

01:24:09By his own players.

01:24:10So.

01:24:11It's difficult.

01:24:12For the referee.

01:24:13To see that.

01:24:14It looked like.

01:24:15A foul.

01:24:16The other way.

01:24:17And I think.

01:24:18The Argentine.

01:24:19Players.

01:24:20Were making.

01:24:21That point.

01:24:22To the referee.

01:24:23Tired legs.

01:24:24Out there.

01:24:25They've worked.

01:24:26So hard.

01:24:27Especially.

01:24:28Moroccan.

01:24:29Players.

01:24:30As.

01:24:31You.

01:24:32Get.

01:24:34Saying that.

01:24:35You can't go on.

01:24:38Seems to be the indication.

01:24:43I think.

01:24:44It's.

01:24:45Prepared.

01:24:46As.

01:24:47He's.

01:24:49Stretched out.

01:24:51I mean.

01:24:52It's been.

01:24:53Such hard graph.

01:24:54When you think how.

01:24:55Open at points.

01:24:56This game has been.

01:24:57And.

01:24:58When Morocco have gone forward.

01:24:59They've gone forward.

01:25:00With pace.

01:25:01They've sat around.

01:25:02And been slow.

01:25:03About it.

01:25:04Given the role.

01:25:05Particularly.

01:25:06Morocco.

01:25:07And the occasion.

01:25:08They've just used.

01:25:09So much energy.

01:25:10And you.

01:25:11If you're.

01:25:12A Moroccan fan.

01:25:13You probably.

01:25:14A little bit.

01:25:15Worried about.

01:25:16The last segment.

01:25:17Of this game.

01:25:18And can you.

01:25:19Sort of.

01:25:20Keep that freshness.

01:25:21Of legs.

01:25:22Particularly.

01:25:23When Argentina.

01:25:24Have made the changes.

01:25:25Might be.

01:25:26The end.

01:25:27Of his.

01:25:28Afternoon.

01:25:29He's.

01:25:30Going to.

01:25:31Try and.

01:25:32Limp on.

01:25:33I've.

01:25:34Seen.

01:25:35As I say.

01:25:36Waiting.

01:25:37To come on.

01:25:38The man.

01:25:39Who plays.

01:25:40Here in.

01:25:41France.

01:25:42Useful.

01:25:43Player.

01:25:44To have on the.

01:25:45Bench.

01:25:46As well.

01:25:47He's actually.

01:25:48Captain.

01:25:49The under.

01:25:5023.

01:25:51Side.

01:25:52On a few.

01:25:53Occasions.

01:25:54Just help.

01:25:55Bring a bit.

01:25:56Of order.

01:25:57And discipline.

01:25:59It's opening up.

01:26:00On the far side.

01:26:01Of the field.

01:26:02Is.

01:26:03Making the run.

01:26:04Off the ball.

01:26:05I mean.

01:26:06Off.

01:26:07The defender.

01:26:08Behind.

01:26:09For a corner.

01:26:10Surely.

01:26:11Just.

01:26:12Increasing.

01:26:13The pressure.

01:26:14On Morocco.

01:26:15Argentina.

01:26:16Spiked.

01:26:17Into life.

01:26:18By that.

01:26:19Second goal.

01:26:29Headed.

01:26:30Away.

01:26:31At the near post.

01:26:32Nothing coming.

01:26:33From the corner.

01:26:34To pull.

01:26:35In.

01:26:36And I tell you.

01:26:37What.

01:26:38The Moroccan.

01:26:39Defence.

01:26:40Is outnumbered.

01:26:41At that back.

01:26:42Post.

01:26:43And.

01:26:44Second.

01:26:46And.

01:26:47Second.

01:27:03So.

01:27:04You might look.

01:27:05A fool.

01:27:06Or a genius.

01:27:07One of the two.

01:27:08He needed.

01:27:09To turn inside.

01:27:10And pass inside.

01:27:11And he didn't.

01:27:12Get himself out.

01:27:13Of it.

01:27:14So.

01:27:15He's.

01:27:16Gone.

01:27:17Then.

01:27:18Replaces.

01:27:19The.

01:27:20Teenager.

01:27:21Ben.

01:27:22Sig it.

01:27:23In.

01:27:24The.

01:27:25Afternoon.

01:27:26As.

01:27:27Well.

01:27:28For.

01:27:29As easy.

01:27:30Replaced.

01:27:31By.

01:27:32Akram.

01:27:33Nakash.

01:27:34A.

01:27:35Full.

01:27:36Back.

01:27:37Back.

01:27:38Back.

01:27:39Back.

01:27:41Full.

01:27:42Back.

01:27:43Then.

01:27:44A.

01:27:45Center.

01:27:46Back.

01:27:47For.

01:27:48Normally.

01:27:49But.

01:27:50At.

01:27:51This point.

01:27:52They just need.

01:27:53Anyway.

01:27:54To fill in.

01:27:55Where's.

01:27:56Needed.

01:27:57To hold on.

01:27:58To this slender.

01:27:59Advantage.

01:28:00Under ten minutes.

01:28:01To go.

01:28:02Plus any stoppage time.

01:28:03The.

01:28:0418 players.

01:28:05And because.

01:28:06Don't really get as many.

01:28:07Rest days.

01:28:08As they get in other.

01:28:09Places in the world.

01:28:10Is.

01:28:11Just takes its toll on players.

01:28:12So you have to use your.

01:28:13Substitutes well.

01:28:14And wisely.

01:28:15You mentioned it earlier.

01:28:16That Argentina.

01:28:17Made a habit in that.

01:28:18Olympic qualification tournament.

01:28:19In Venezuela.

01:28:20Of.

01:28:21Coming back from deficits.

01:28:22To.

01:28:23Find salvation.

01:28:24Somehow.

01:28:25That's three.

01:28:26Three.

01:28:27Two.

01:28:28One.

01:28:29One.

01:28:30Two.

01:28:31One.

01:28:32Two.

01:28:33One.

01:28:34Two.

01:28:35One.

01:28:36Two.

01:28:37One.

01:28:38Two.

01:28:39One.

01:28:40Two.

01:28:41One.

01:28:42Two.

01:28:43One.

01:28:44Two.

01:28:45One.

01:28:46Two.

01:28:47One.

01:28:48Two.

01:28:49One.

01:28:50Two.

01:28:51One.

01:28:52Two.

01:28:53One.

01:28:54Two.

01:28:55One.

01:28:56Two.

01:28:57One.

01:28:58Two.

01:28:59One.

01:29:00Two.

01:29:01One.

01:29:02Two.

01:29:03One.

01:29:04Two.

01:29:05One.

01:29:06Two.

01:29:08One.

01:29:09Two.

01:29:10One.

01:29:11Two.

01:29:12One.

01:29:13Two.

01:29:14One.

01:29:15Two.

01:29:16One.

01:29:17Two.

01:29:18First.

01:29:19...

01:29:20...

01:29:21...

01:29:22...

01:29:23referenced.

01:29:31...

01:29:32...

01:29:33...

01:29:34...

01:29:35...

01:29:36of part of a game to try and get themselves back in it or win

01:29:38games, particularly as this tournament gets stronger, but

01:29:41anything goes at them all, they have to get something out of

01:29:44this game now.

01:29:48That's twice that El Kajoui has come up with important saves.

01:29:53There was the point blank range header from Bruno Amion.

01:29:58And then smothering the attempt of Alvarez just then.

01:30:03The last line of defence, the keeper.

01:30:06And again, stop start, substitutions are made.

01:30:19Just add that time on and make it even more nerve wracking at

01:30:22the end.

01:30:25Well, on comes Claudio Echeverri, one of the most

01:30:28exciting young Argentinians out there, playing his football

01:30:32still with River Plate back on loan from Manchester City,

01:30:35joined the Manchester club for around about £18 million in

01:30:39January, but decided to finish out the calendar year with

01:30:43River Plate.

01:30:49The Olympics by storm.

01:30:53Really playing the qualifying tournament.

01:30:57Disappointment of a lot of Argentinian fans who want to

01:30:59see him out there.

01:31:01And it's the creativity that he brings, he is that spark that

01:31:04can sit just behind a front line and provide those balls that bit

01:31:08of service.

01:31:13Not much time to try and do it in though.

01:31:17In a way again, cheap in the heart of the pitch, El Canoos

01:31:19gets it out wide and suddenly there's a green and red streak

01:31:23down both wings.

01:31:25Catched up.

01:31:28Back again with the sub.

01:31:32Rahimi looking to provide this time and he almost did too.

01:31:38I think that'll be behind for a corner.

01:31:41Well, that catch that just kept going.

01:31:46Is it the small player in the middle?

01:31:49Just a bit of respite.

01:31:52Morocco getting the ball up the pitch because the defenders

01:31:54have really been putting the pressure the last 20 minutes

01:31:56or so.

01:31:59He's just lurking on the edge of the area, the man, the one that

01:32:02set piece.

01:32:04Plenty of others around the penalty area.

01:32:09The cash in there.

01:32:11And he's got it.

01:32:13He's got it.

01:32:14He's got it.

01:32:15He's got it.

01:32:16He's got it.

01:32:17He's got it.

01:32:18He's got it.

01:32:19It's better cashed in there up from the back came you to take.

01:32:37The whistle came early.

01:32:38There was far too much pushing and shoving inside the penalty

01:32:41area.

01:32:43That's good Move though.

01:32:48I see what they were trying to do.

01:32:50I think he wanted to get everybody close to the six yard box to pull it back to the space.

01:33:02Simeone beats one, gets past another. That's a lovely touch, Almada.

01:33:11Maybe just the wrong option from the number 10 looking for Alvarez.

01:33:14Could have been a shot there, Almada trying to walk it in.

01:33:18Argentina would really, if it opens up, then you're going to use that.

01:33:22Look how free he is there, Hakimi coming through blue just before that, but it's a good move.

01:33:36Lovely control by Kesta, Hakimi.

01:33:53Confident and calming presence in possession. El Canoos beats his man down to the byline.

01:34:06Yeah, when you attack like that in a game, in a game situation like that,

01:34:10you either got to score or it's got to go in rosette.

01:34:17That's why he fouled.

01:34:24Yellow card shown there from Osama Taghalli.

01:34:29Yeah, that may play forward at Morocco, that somebody has to take a yellow card at that point.

01:34:39Three minutes to go, that clock looming large.

01:34:43Javier Mascherano's side, the travelling supporters.

01:34:47Our number dwarfed here in Saint-Etienne.

01:34:50Mustache here for Guichard.

01:34:51By those in red and green.

01:34:57But Morocco are starting to try and just hold on now, Simeone feeds it down the line.

01:35:00And he gives it to Fernandes, Chiveri, Armada.

01:35:24Well played by Fernandes twice, although perhaps the second challenge was a touch too rash.

01:35:29It's a yellow card for the midfielder.

01:35:33Kesto was brought down with a thump.

01:35:37Al-Khashri's got himself in the book as well,

01:35:39coming all the way out from his penalty area to talk to the official.

01:35:43It's one of those challenges where both players had to go in fully committed,

01:35:47because if you didn't, you'd be the one who really came out with an injury.

01:35:52Such a tough challenge from Fernandes.

01:35:55It's just the quickness really of Kesto that got him to the ball.

01:36:04That's a tough challenge, wow.

01:36:08Really a little bit out of control.

01:36:10It's not great from that first angle, is it?

01:36:14And I think that's, you know, you look at Al-Khashri, that's why he came out.

01:36:18You know, as a senior player, you sort of look at a situation like that and

01:36:22asking the referee the question.

01:36:24That looked to me like a two-foot challenge,

01:36:26which is what, you know, the rest of the Moroccan players are saying there.

01:36:29And when you, he's only little, isn't he?

01:36:31Kesto, and I think that makes a difference as well.

01:36:34He went absolutely flying like a ragdoll.

01:36:41Benjamin Bouchouari, some words of encouragement from his boss.

01:36:52I mean, how much added time is there going to be?

01:36:54You'd say there's probably plenty of time still for Argentina to find an equaliser.

01:37:22Substitute will have to wait just for the moment as we move into stoppage time.

01:37:39We just need one more chance, Argentina.

01:37:45Down two goals early in this second half.

01:37:47Juliano Simeone with the strike that half the deficit.

01:37:55He looks to hurry things up here.

01:37:5915 minutes of stoppage time out there on the screen.

01:38:03I was joking about.

01:38:16Either way, we said there was going to be plenty of time.

01:38:20Yes, Canoes is going to make his way off.

01:38:26Placed by the man that calls this stadium home, Benjamin Bouchouari.

01:38:30A bit of a jack-of-all-trades, really.

01:38:41Can play anywhere down the spine of the midfield.

01:38:44Can sit on that left wing as well.

01:39:00More arriving to support Medina.

01:39:11Looks like he's going to get the free kick he wanted there for the handball.

01:39:21It's a superb challenge from Rahimi.

01:39:24Suddenly, he's away on that far side.

01:39:27Lovely lay-off as well by the forward.

01:39:30Bouchouari trying to create something on the edge of the area.

01:39:33Only had eyes for goal.

01:39:35Squanders the opportunity.

01:39:37They've had a few of those, haven't they, Morocco, when they've broken.

01:39:41What I said before is, if you get into this situation, you either score or you just make

01:39:46sure that Argentina don't counter on you.

01:39:48It goes for a goal kick that, well, Morocco would rather that ball landed.

01:39:53But they have got the players that pace on the, you know, since Kessler's come on, he's

01:39:59caused problems.

01:40:01Bouchouari there, you can see that he's got that sort of ability.

01:40:10Just got to be careful there.

01:40:11Zakaria El-Houari.

01:40:16Already on a booking.

01:40:17One of many still out there on the field.

01:40:20Playing another third of a half on top of what they've played already.

01:40:23And we know how hard that's, and how intensity and the energy that's used.

01:40:26And which team can hold the nerve, which substitutes that make the difference.

01:40:39There's nowhere there for Medina to go as.

01:40:44Those in blue and white have to restart the rebuild.

01:40:47Fernandes gives it out wide.

01:40:50Armada.

01:40:58To Cesare.

01:41:05It's been a tough game for the referee this.

01:41:07Stop, start, lots of stuff going on.

01:41:10Off the ball.

01:41:11And it's just a referee saw that from Alvarez.

01:41:15It's so foolish that as well.

01:41:18Waiting to try and open up an opportunity.

01:41:20You don't need that from one of the players who's been brought in to try and be that extra

01:41:23piece of quality.

01:41:24That extra piece of experience in big moments.

01:41:42Brugge.

01:41:48Medina can't find the way through.

01:42:10Fernandes just feeling the pressure.

01:42:18So much into it.

01:42:26Confidence is just starting to come back for the Moroccan players.

01:42:33Armada.

01:42:37It's a good touch by Simeone.

01:42:41Cash.

01:42:47Armada.

01:42:51Armada loses possession though.

01:42:53Can't do anything with the throw in a decent part of the pitch.

01:42:56Fernandes does well with the touch.

01:42:59Thought about the shot.

01:43:00Gives it out wide though.

01:43:01It's a labored ball.

01:43:02It just about gets there.

01:43:03And Mion.

01:43:08That's a big, big chance.

01:43:10He's found himself in that position.

01:43:13Further up the pitch.

01:43:14He made the decision to go.

01:43:16And try and close down.

01:43:18Hakimi.

01:43:19Probably the first back decision he's played all game.

01:43:21But that is absolutely wild.

01:43:24That's a ridiculous effort.

01:43:26He's got to go.

01:43:27Cross goal.

01:43:27He's got to go.

01:43:43Another delay as another supporter's on the pitch.

01:43:46It's only going to add to time added on here.

01:43:52Just makes life more difficult for the Moroccan players.

01:44:12I think some in the stadium thought of the full-time whistle had gone there.

01:44:16Particularly with the music coming on.

01:44:20It's all erratic in this.

01:44:22What on earth is going on?

01:44:23The referee.

01:44:24Bless the referee.

01:44:25Trying to get a grip of this game.

01:44:27Supporters running on the pitch.

01:44:29At a time that.

01:44:32It's such a long time.

01:44:33And just players.

01:44:35Just especially Morocco players.

01:44:37Doing anything they can to just keep hold of the lead.

01:44:42And the fans are just ridiculously loud.

01:44:46It's pandemonium almost everywhere.

01:44:47Except perhaps the Moroccan and Argentinian benches.

01:44:51In the meantime, Gondou.

01:44:55Trying to add to the late drama in this one.

01:44:57And there still could be some.

01:44:58Simeone.

01:45:00His efforts blocked.

01:45:01And just for a second.

01:45:03It was causing a problem for El-Khazoui.

01:45:06I think that Simeone might be in the starting lineup for the next game.

01:45:10I think when you.

01:45:11When you're a substitute.

01:45:12You've got to come on and make a difference.

01:45:13He certainly has done that down the right-hand side.

01:45:18Not to live up to that name.

01:45:26No matter with the delivery in.

01:45:29Players down on the deck.

01:45:30Kept alive by Medina.

01:45:32Headed away though.

01:45:32Before Gondou could do anything with it.

01:45:39Good control by Fernandez.

01:45:43Three kickers.

01:45:54Mohamed was brought down.

01:45:56And he's going to stay down as well.

01:45:59Another card being shown to.

01:46:02Marco Di Cesare.

01:46:09It's an absolute slog now this.

01:46:11Players see the amount of injury time on there.

01:46:16They just slow things down it.

01:46:18Desperation really.

01:46:19Some of these challenges.

01:46:20Another poor challenge that.

01:46:23The Cesare.

01:46:27Yeah, I don't think he's looking at these challenges really.

01:46:31Don't see that what we see.

01:46:35Again though.

01:46:36Him he's staying down here.

01:46:38It's just going to add more time on.

01:46:45He has not looked comfortable all game.

01:46:47Bless him.

01:46:48He recognizes how well he seems done, but.

01:46:52Desperately wants that final whistle.

01:46:55Wonderfully well spoken manager and.

01:46:58He's really tried to.

01:46:59Open up relationships with the media.

01:47:03And his side.

01:47:04He likes.

01:47:04The media and his side.

01:47:06He likes.

01:47:08To form that bond so that everybody knows what's going on.

01:47:11His thought process is very open with it.

01:47:15Consider bit of a breath of fresh air.

01:47:18In terms of creating that relationship.

01:47:22He's had a bit of a complaint.

01:47:24It's about the opposition bench and what it is.

01:47:28Spent a lot of time.

01:47:29Talking frustration.

01:47:31It'll be just coming out.

01:47:34So.

01:47:44Well, if we stick to the 15 minutes.

01:47:46There's five minutes to go.

01:47:49Could stick another five onto that though.

01:47:57When the 15 minutes came up.

01:47:59So he didn't worry for Argentina with the time.

01:48:02That they had to create chances.

01:48:03They've not done much with the first 10 and a half.

01:48:05So.

01:48:22The whistles you hear.

01:48:23Those from the stands rather than from the official.

01:48:28Fernandez.

01:48:30Not once, but twice the Moroccan defense stands up.

01:48:34And there's a hedge of Eric with the second opportunity.

01:48:39Defended that first.

01:48:43Block.

01:48:47Still more to come though.

01:48:49Cleared away from the near post.

01:49:00Condu.

01:49:02Beautifully worked around the top of the box until that final ball.

01:49:06Safely into the hands of El-Khazri.

01:49:09El-Khazri did well in the end.

01:49:10But that's the ball.

01:49:11I mean, there's nothing wrong with that ball there.

01:49:14That sort of angle just needs runners on the end.

01:49:18The head and the hands.

01:49:19But you've got to get on the end of that.

01:49:21And that near post run.

01:49:51What's left in the tank.

01:50:00The both of these two sides.

01:50:02Can Morocco's will hold on.

01:50:05Stay headstrong.

01:50:07And perhaps legs are starting to fail them.

01:50:11It's respite and a breather with the ball down this end of the pitch.

01:50:14But immediately the South Americans look to get going.

01:50:19And plying their way forward once more.

01:50:21Route one this time.

01:50:22Not seen that too often from them.

01:50:24Alvarez to Condu.

01:50:26Lining it up.

01:50:28Blocked from close range by Taghali.

01:50:34And it's two or three Argentinian players who've made a difference since they've come on.

01:50:41They just need one to make one more.

01:50:43It's just behind Condu.

01:50:44That delivery.

01:50:45Really affected the game positively.

01:50:49You can't blame them.

01:50:51Great little cup back there.

01:50:52But.

01:50:53We've just gone further.

01:51:04Amy staying down still.

01:51:09Mascherano.

01:51:10It's easy when you play.

01:51:12You're managing still on the sideline.

01:51:13That's for sure.

01:51:14When you can affect the game.

01:51:18Called Morocco an interesting side.

01:51:21Yeah.

01:51:21Mascherano.

01:51:22They've been that and then some.

01:51:30That's not on target.

01:51:32That's another half chance that slips away.

01:51:35And that's not on target.

01:51:37That's another half chance that slips away.

01:51:40It's the best chance really that Alvarez has had in this game.

01:51:45They came into this.

01:51:45That their last warm-up game is a disappointing performance.

01:51:49And I think they lost Argentina.

01:51:52Brought that sort of.

01:51:55Form into this game.

01:51:56But can they.

01:51:57Just grab the equalizer.

01:52:00Right at the end.

01:52:00I'm sure it's not going to stop at 15.

01:52:02This is just going to keep going on.

01:52:04Might still be going by the time.

01:52:05The opening ceremony starts on Friday.

01:52:07This one.

01:52:12Hoisted away.

01:52:15Maybe doing his best to try and get onto it.

01:52:17Try and keep the ball at that end of the field.

01:52:20Rougie goes long.

01:52:27Simeone.

01:52:28Alvarez.

01:52:29Is there a little bit of magic left in the feet?

01:52:33Cesare.

01:52:38Argentina win it back high up the pitch.

01:52:40Almada.

01:52:41Stepping.

01:52:42Twisting.

01:52:42Turning.

01:52:45And firing again.

01:52:46Beaten away by the keeper.

01:52:47And on the follow-up it's off the crossbar.

01:52:49Third time's the charm.

01:52:50Up the goal frame again.

01:52:52And turned in from Kovacic.

01:52:53And it's a goal.

01:52:54And it's a goal.

01:52:55And it's a goal.

01:52:56And it's a goal.

01:52:57And it's a goal.

01:52:58And it's a goal.

01:52:58And Turned in from close range!

01:53:02Medina there.

01:53:06And the sides so used to leading it so late.

01:53:10Have left it until the very last gasp.

01:53:17Tell you what?

01:53:17Wow!

01:53:18What I would say just before this,

01:53:20I mean, the goalkeeper.

01:53:22Elke Azmi did brilliantly.

01:53:24He didn't really deserve to be beaten.

01:53:26But what I would say in this is the lead-up to it, it looks like there was a foul in the lead-up to it.

01:53:33I'm not sure if VAR will look at it that far back, but...

01:53:38Wow. I cannot believe that.

01:53:41Watch this game. Morocco have done so well, they'll be so disappointed to concede that late equaliser.

01:53:47Argentina have just kept going and going and going.

01:53:52It's a lot to unpick.

01:53:56Almada with the strike, Otamendi forcing the incredible save from Al-Khashoui that ricocheted off the crossbar.

01:54:03Amiran with the header that came off the top of the bar.

01:54:07And then the eventual finish from Medina, as I think time has been called.

01:54:15And Argentina, once again, leave it till late, as they did in the qualifying tournament.

01:54:22And they find a draw at the last moment. 2-2 against Morocco.

01:54:28And what an introduction to the Olympics and the men's football in Group B.

【FULL MATCH】 Argentina vs. Morocco | Paris Olympics 2024

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