In a heated encounter at Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium on Wednesday, July 24, the Atlas Cubs of Morocco secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Argentina. The match, filled with tension and excitement, saw both teams battling fiercely.
After a first half marred by numerous fouls, Morocco managed to break through just before and after halftime. However, Argentina fought back, equalizing in the dying seconds of the match to snatch a draw.
Giuliano Simeone, a fresh substitute, brought Argentina within one goal of Morocco, setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The Albiceleste, under the guidance of Javier Mascherano, managed to equalize in the final moments, with the game ending 2-2 in the 90+17th minute after an extended period of added time.
Key players and lineups
Argentina:
- Goalkeeper: Rulli
- Defenders: Di Césare, Otamendi (c), Garcia (substituted by Echeverri, 84′), Soler (substituted by Amione, 69′)
- Midfielders: Almada, Hezze (substituted by Fernandez, 69′), Medina, Zenon (substituted by Simeone, 55′)
- Forwards: Beltran (substituted by Gondou, 69′), Alvarez
Morocco:
- Goalkeeper: Mohamedi
- Defenders: El Ouahdi, Boukamir, El Azzouzi (substituted by Nakach, 80′), Hakimi (c)
- Midfielders: Ben Seghir (substituted by Kechta, 80′), Richardson, Targhalline, Akhomach (substituted by Ezzalzouli, 58′)
- Forwards: El-Khannouss (substituted by Bouchouari, 90+1′), Rahimi
Match highlights
- First Half: The initial half was disrupted by frequent fouls, preventing either team from establishing a rhythm.
- Second Half: Morocco found the back of the net before and after the break, putting them in a favorable position.
- Argentina’s comeback: Giuliano Simeone’s entry was pivotal, as he reduced Morocco’s lead, intensifying the match’s final moments.
- Final equalizer: Argentina’s perseverance paid off in the extended added time, with Mascherano’s squad securing a draw in the 90+17th minute.
Context and background
This match is part of both teams’ preparation for upcoming major tournaments. Argentina, featuring stars like Julian Alvarez, Nicolás Otamendi, and Gerónimo Rulli (all 2022 World Cup champions), demonstrated their depth and resilience.
Despite a mixed bag in their preparation games—thrashing a team of free agents 5-0 in Fougères but losing 1-0 to Guinea’s Olympic team in Vitré—Argentina showed their potential against Morocco.
