France Reaches Olympic Semi-Finals After Tense Win

France advanced to the Olympic men’s football semi-finals by defeating Argentina 1-0 in a contentious quarter-final marred by post-match altercations. The only goal came from Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who headed in a corner from Michael Olise in the fifth minute. Argentina’s best opportunity was a header by Giuliano Simeone that missed just before halftime.

France also had a late goal disallowed after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Maghnes Akliouche. The match was heated due to recent tensions between the teams, including derogatory comments from Argentine players about French players and French fans booing the Argentine national anthem. This animosity boiled over into physical confrontations on the pitch after the final whistle.

France, who last won Olympic gold in men’s football in 1984 will face Egypt in the semi-finals. Egypt secured their place with a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Paraguay, following a 1-1 draw. In the other quarter-finals, Spain defeated Japan 3-0 with Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez scoring twice and Abel Ruiz adding a late goal. Japan had a goal disallowed after VAR review for offside.

Spain will meet Morocco in the semi-finals. Morocco, making their first semi-final appearance, dominated their match against the United States with a 4-0 win. Soufiane Rahimi, Ilias Akhomach and Achraf Hakimi scored for Morocco with Mehdi Maouhoub adding a late penalty. Morocco’s progress and Spain’s convincing victory round off a strong day for French sport, following gold medals in judo, swimming and BMX cycling.