France Advances to Olympic Men’s Football Semi-Final with Tense 1-0 Victory Over Argentina

France secured a spot in the Olympic men’s football semi-finals after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in a tense quarter-final encounter marred by unsavory scenes at the final whistle. The match, held at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, was a showdown of high stakes and heightened emotions, as recent animosities between the teams came to the fore.

The game’s decisive moment came early, as Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on a well-delivered corner by Michael Olise, heading the ball home at the near post in the fifth minute. Despite the early lead, the match remained tightly contested, with Argentina pressing for an equalizer. Their best opportunity came just before half-time, but Giuliano Simeone headed over from close range, failing to convert a crucial chance.

As the game progressed, tension escalated. France thought they had doubled their lead when Olise found the net with a deflected effort, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review determined that Maghnes Akliouche had fouled an opponent in the build-up. The disallowed goal added to the match’s intensity, with both teams fighting fiercely until the final whistle.

The conclusion of the game was overshadowed by a pitch-side altercation involving players and coaches from both sides, reflecting the deep-seated rivalry and tension. The hostility was evident even before kick-off, with French fans booing the Argentinian national anthem. The animosity between the two teams has been brewing, exacerbated by a recent incident where Argentina players were filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players following their Copa America victory on July 14.

With this victory, France advances to face Egypt in the semi-final on Monday at 20:00 BST. The Pharaohs secured their place in the last four after a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout win over Paraguay, following a 1-1 draw.

France, who last won Olympic gold in men’s football in 1984, will be looking to continue their winning streak. Meanwhile, Argentina, who famously defeated France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup, missed their chance to become the first nation since Italy in 1936 to hold both the World Cup and Olympic titles simultaneously.

The result capped off a successful day for French sports, with the host nation also clinching gold medals in judo, swimming, and cycling BMX earlier in the day. As the Olympic games continue, all eyes will be on France as they seek to add another gold medal to their collection and further solidify their standing on the international stage.

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