The Argentine Olympic Team saw its first minutes of action as both the national football and rugby sevens teams made their debut. Results were a mixed bag for Argentina, with a solid win 31-12 by the Pumas against Kenya and a difficult start for the Albiceleste, who only got a 2-1 loss amidst a controversial ending to its match against Morocco.

The highlight of the day were the struggles of the Olympian football team. Javier Mascherano’s squad failed to make the best of its individual quality for most of the match and will have to make amends in its next game.

Both teams started the game with doubts and had difficulties imposing their style. Argentina, with a defensively solid structure, lacked the sufficient team moves as well as individual creativity to break down Morocco.

In a very fragmented game full of mistakes, both teams had just one attempt at goal in the first half. Argentina’s came in the 27th minute when defender Nicolás Otamendi had a headed chance that was nowhere near the goal.

Twenty minutes later, Morocco had its only moment of inspiration in the first half. Forward Ilias Akhomach received in the corner of the area and put a backheel for captain Achraf Hakimi, who crossed for striker Soufiani Rahimi to make it 1-0 just before the end of the half.

Two minutes........

© Buenos Aires Herald