France advanced to the Olympic men’s football semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Argentina in a match marred by tension and hostility. The quarter-final, held at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, ended with a clash between players and coaches from both teams as emotions boiled over at the final whistle.
The match’s sole goal came from Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who headed home Michael Olise’s corner just five minutes into the game. Argentina threatened to equalize just before half-time when Giuliano Simeone headed over from close range.
France had a late goal disallowed when the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that Maghnes Akliouche had fouled an opponent before Olise scored with a deflected shot. Tensions between the teams have been heightened recently after videos surfaced of Argentine players singing derogatory songs about France’s black players following their Copa America victory on July 14.
French fans expressed their displeasure by booing the Argentinian national anthem prior to the match, and the post-game fracas underscored the rivalry.
With this victory, France, who last won Olympic gold in men’s football in 1984, will face Egypt in the semi-finals on Monday at 20:00 BST. The Pharaohs advanced after defeating Paraguay 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Argentina, who defeated France in the penalty shootout during the 2022 World Cup, had aimed to become the first nation to hold both the world and Olympic titles since Italy in 1936.
Spain Sets Up Semi-Final with Morocco
In another quarter-final match, Spain defeated Japan 3-0 in Lyon, securing their place in the semi-finals. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez played a key role by scoring twice, first with a left-footed shot into the right corner early in the game and then with a dipping right-foot effort from 20 yards after the break.
Japan’s Mao Hosoya thought he had equalized late in the first half, only to have his goal disallowed for offside following a lengthy VAR review. Abel Ruiz later sealed the victory for Spain with a late tap-in, setting up a semi-final showdown with Morocco in Marseille on Monday at 17:00 BST.
Morocco dominated their quarter-final against the United States, winning 4-0 and reaching the last four for the first time in the tournament’s history. Soufiane Rahimi opened the scoring from the penalty spot just before the half-hour mark, while Ilias Akhomach doubled their lead with a close-range finish.
Captain Achraf Hakimi extended the advantage with a left-footed strike following a superb run, and substitute Mehdi Maouhoub rounded off the scoring with another penalty in stoppage time after a VAR review for handball.
Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, commented on the vibrant atmosphere, saying, “I felt like I was playing at home in this stadium where I play for my club, but also because our fans were very loud and present in big numbers. We want to make them proud and hope they can follow us all the way to the final.”
Credit: BBC Sport
