Hosts France will take on Argentina in the Olympic men’s football quarter-finals after securing their spot in the last eight with a victory over New Zealand, finishing at the top of Group A.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for a dominant French side, which registered an impressive 34 shots compared to New Zealand’s nine. Mateta put France ahead with a goal in the 19th minute, and the pressure on the Kiwi defense only intensified as the match progressed.
Although New Zealand held off France until the 71st minute, their defense eventually gave way when Desire Doue netted from close range. Just three minutes later, Arnaud Kalimuendo added a third goal with a drive into the near post. France completed the group stage with three consecutive wins, previously defeating the United States and Guinea.
Tensions have risen between France and Argentina following an incident where Argentine players were filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players after winning the Copa America on July 14. In response, French fans booed Argentina’s rugby sevens players during their matches at the Olympics.
Quarter-Final Line-Up Takes Shape
Earlier on Tuesday, Argentina secured a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Group B, highlighted by a stunning goal from Thiago Almada, who curled a shot into the net from 25 yards. Claudio Echeverri added a late tap-in to seal the win.
Morocco topped Group B with a 3-0 win against Iraq, finishing level on points and goal difference with Argentina but having beaten them earlier in the tournament. Meanwhile, the USA advanced alongside France from Group A on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Guinea, finishing above New Zealand.
In other results, Spain suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Egypt, resulting in Spain finishing as runners-up in Group C. Egypt secured the top position in the group thanks to Ibrahim Adel’s two goals, with Spain managing to score only in the final minute of normal time through Samu Omorodion.
Moa Hosoya scored an injury-time goal to lead Japan to a 1-0 victory over Israel, sealing their place at the top of Group D with a perfect record. Paraguay also advanced as runners-up in the group after defeating Mali 1-0, ending three points behind Japan. The Dominican Republic and Uzbekistan, both eliminated, played to a 1-1 draw.
Quarter-Final Fixtures
Friday, August 2:
- 14:00: Morocco vs. United States, Paris
- 16:00: Japan vs. Spain, Decines-Charpieu
- 18:00: Egypt vs. Paraguay, Marseille
- 20:00: France vs. Argentina, Bordeaux
All kick-off times are in BST.
