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'What a joke': Uproar at 'atrocious' moment in Aussie Olympics upset

Francisco Ortega, pictured here being shown a questionable red card against the Olyroos.
Francisco Ortega was shown a questionable red card. Image: Getty

Football fans were left raging at the Olympics on Thursday night when Australia's historic upset over Argentina was marred by a controversial red card.

Lachlan Wales and Marco Tilio both scored as the Olyroos took control of their section with a 2-0 victory.

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After the incredible win, Olyroos coach Graham Arnold insisted Australia are in the hunt for gold.

"We've been building the belief in the boys that they can do this," he said.

"We are here to compete for a gold medal, we're not here to compete with the numbers.

"I know in the past that it's seen just as a success to make the Olympics.

"I don't see that. We're here to compete for a medal like all the other teams."

However a combative contest saw 10 players booked and Argentina defender Francisco Ortega sent off before half-time.

Ortega was shown two yellow cards in a manner of minutes, with many believing the second was highly questionable.

Marco Tilio, pictured here celebrating after scoring for the Olyroos against Argentina.
Marco Tilio celebrates after scoring for the Olyroos against Argentina. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images)

Ortega and Riley McGree were both given yellow cards for some jostling in the box and Ortega was left in disbelief when shown red.

Argentina players angrily remonstrated with referee Srdan Jovanovic, with some believing the whistleblower didn't realise Ortega was the man at the centre of the jostling.

“This referee hasn’t had a great one,” Commentator Brenton Speed said on Channel 7.

Andy Harper added: “I think this will be his one and only Olympic finals match given the send off, which was a very, very poor decision."

Social media was left in shock over the "atrocious' red card.

Olyroos' inspirational victory during hard times

The Olyroos held their nerve in sapping conditions and Arnold said that during difficult times it was a result to put smiles on Australian faces back home.

"It was probably the last thing I mentioned before the boys went on the pitch," he said.

"Australia - New South Wales especially - is going through a tough time at the moment with COVID-19.

"I said to the boys there's a lot of families at home in lockdown, let's put a smile on a lot of Australian faces and give them something they will remember.

"There were probably a lot of people back home who didn't give us a chance of winning the game before but really enjoyed that tonight.

"Sometimes when you mention the name of a nation like Argentina everyone starts thinking of Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and them being Copa America champions.

"But it was more about focusing on ourselves for the last week and making sure that all their players knew their roles and jobs.

"We had to have the belief that we could win the game."

with AAP

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