Argentina’s match against Morocco at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard was suspended for over an hour following a reaction from the crowd when Cristian Medina scored a late equaliser.
Morocco led the Group B clash 2-1 and in the final stages of the game Argentina hit the frame of the goal twice before midfielder Medina struck in the 16th minute of stoppage time to level the match.
However, his equaliser sparked objects being thrown onto the pitch and players were taken off for their safety.
Fans were then asked to leave the stadium with a message being projected on screens that read: “Your session has been suspended, please leave the stadium.”
After over an hour without play, the game resumed behind closed doors with three minutes left on the clock and Medina’s 106th-minute leveller was chalked off for an offside in the build-up.
The game finished 2-1 to Morocco thanks to Soufiane Rahimi’s brace.
The Paris Olympics began in earnest on Wednesday when the first batch of pool games in rugby sevens kicked off in front of a noisy crowd at the iconic Stade de France where Ireland beat South Africa 10-5 in a blockbuster clash.
James Topping’s side were the first of Team Ireland in action at these games and certainly delivered with a possession-dominant performance in Saint Denis, as Jordan Conroy and Terry Kennedy went over for tries in either half.
The opening game win puts Ireland in a strong position in Pool A heading into their second outing against Japan later this evening at 8pm Irish time. The Japanese side suffered defeat to New Zealand in the other Pool A clash this afternoon.
Although the Olympics opening ceremony is not until Friday, soccer and rugby sevens preliminary rounds got underway for logistical reasons in Paris and around the country.
The shorter but speedier rugby format allows teams to play more than one match a day and the medals in the men’s and women’s tournaments will be decided before the 81,000-capacity stadium hosts the athletics events from August 1st.
Scores of fans lined up outside the sun-kissed arena for the rugby sevens, the majority in blue to support the host nation.
“It’s been excitement, emotions, impatience … I’ve been looking forward to the start,” said 44-year-old France fan Matthieu.
“We’re at the heart of the biggest event that we’ve been waiting a long time to see.”
Another France fan, Pauline from Toulouse, arrived with three kids in tow and there was no question who they were most keen to watch when they screamed, “Antoine Dupont!”.
The 27-year-old is a former world player of the year in the fifteen-man format and made the switch to Sevens after last year’s Rugby World Cup, immediately elevating France to title contenders with his versatility.
The loudest cheer of the day was reserved for when Dupont, who has mostly come on as an impact replacement, was announced in the starting lineup in the Pool C opener against the United States.
The crowd were treated to a thriller of a match with American Marcus Tupuola scoring a late try to lock up the scores at 12-12. Madison Hughes missed the conversion leaving the two teams to share the spoils.
“It was a huge atmosphere,” Dupont said. “It’s not common for us to play in this kind of stadium, we have to embrace this atmosphere, to embrace this pressure, to play better in the next game.”
Fiji are seeking a hat-trick of golds to underline their dominance in their national sport and they later went top of Pool C with a thumping 40-12 victory over Uruguay, who were no match for the speed and power of the Pacific islanders.
Earlier, Australia kicked off their Pool B campaign with a 21-14 win over Samoa fired by two tries from veteran flyer Henry Hutchison.
Argentina were roundly booed by the crowd when they took to the pitch for their Pool B match against Kenya in what was perhaps a spillover from the 2022 soccer World Cup final between France and the South Americans.
Such was their disdain for the men in powder blue-and-white, the crowd jeered even when Argentina scored their five tries while loudly cheering on every Kenya move.
Argentina were unperturbed as they toyed with the African side and eased to a 31-12 victory.
The Paris Olympics are a few days away and Nigeria, the giant of Africa, pulsates with vibrant energy and a winning spirit that shines on the world stage as our athletes set out to break every record possible at the 2024 Olympics starting on July 26, 2024. And where does that spirit burn brightest? On the Olympic podium, draped in gold that signifies victory!
While some nations have overflowing trophy cabinets, Nigeria’s five Olympic gold medals hold a special weight. Each tells a story of resilience, audacious talent, and the unwavering belief that anything is possible.
1996: Atlanta Lights Up for the Super Eagles
Nigerian players celebrate their 3-2 victory over Argentina in the men’s final of the 1996 Olympics. (Photo by Jerome Prevost/TempSport/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)
The year is etched in Nigerians hearts. A young, unfancied football team, the Super Eagles, took on the footballing giants Argentina in the final. Against all odds, they clawed their way back from a deficit, with Emmanuel Amunike’s golden goal in the dying minutes sending the nation into a frenzy. This win wasn’t just about football; it was a roar that announced Africa’s arrival on the world sporting scene.
Glory at the Long Jump: A Moment for Chioma Ajunwa (1996)
Chioma Ajunwa’s long jump glory moment at Atlanta 1996
Atlanta wasn’t done celebrating Nigeria! Chioma Ajunwa defied expectations with a thunderous long jump, snatching the gold medal from the grasp of favorites like Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Her infectious victory dance became an iconic image, a celebration of Nigerian power and athleticism.
Weightlifting Wonder: Ruth Ogbeifo Picks Up the Pace (2000)
At the Sydney Olympics, Nigeria flexed its muscular might in a different arena. Ruth Ogbeifo, a weightlifting wonder, lifted double her body weight to secure gold! Her feat became an inspiration for aspiring female athletes across the nation.
A Double Dose of Victory: Discus Domination (2008)
Beijing witnessed Nigeria’s golden touch return, this time in pairs. Blessing Okagbare and Ajoke Odumosu triumphed in the women’s long jump and discus throw. Their victories showcased the depth of Nigerian athletics talent and the nation’s unwavering commitment to sporting excellence.
Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare competes during the women’s long jump final at the 2013 IAAF World Championships at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on August 11, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNISADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images ORG XMIT:
These five golden moments are just a glimpse into Nigeria’s rich Olympic history. They are a testament to the unwavering spirit of a nation that continues to defy expectations and dance on the world stage. So, the next time you see the Nigerian flag raised high, remember the stories it tells – stories of triumph, resilience, and a nation that grabs hold of gold.
As Nigeria gears up to showcase her athletic prowess on the world stage once again, don’t forget to cheer them on by talking about their feats, triumphs and attempts as Nigeria’s talented athletes chase Olympic gold.
Uefa has started disciplinary proceedings against Spanish players Alvaro Morata and Rodri over their behaviour during a Euro 2024 presentation in Madrid this month, European soccer’s governing body confirmed on Tuesday.
The players sang ‘Gibraltar is Spanish’ on July 15th, the day after they won the European Championship with a 2-1 victory over England in Berlin, during a public celebration in the Spanish capital.
Alvaro Morata wears the captain armband for Rodri at the 2024 Euros in Germany
Gibraltar is a British territory located at the southern tip of Spain.
Gibraltar’s Football Association filed a formal complaint to Uefa about the chant, and Uefa appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to evaluate whether it violated regulations.
The charges against Rodri and Morata include violating the basic rules of decent conduct, general principles of conduct, using sporting events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and bringing the sport of football into disrepute.
