France Beats Argentina in Olympic Men’s Football Quarter-Final Marred by Ugly Scenes
France secured a spot in the Olympic men’s football semi-finals after defeating Argentina 1-0 in a hostile quarter-final match. The game was marred by ugly scenes at the final whistle, as players and coaches from both sides clashed on the pitch. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the winning goal for France in the fifth minute, heading home Michael Olise’s corner at the near post. Argentina’s best chance came just before half-time when Giuliano Simeone headed over from close range. France had a late goal ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR) due to a foul committed by Maghnes Akliouche before Olise’s deflected effort.
The tension between the teams was fueled by recent animosity. After winning the Copa America on July 14, Argentina players were filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players. The French fans responded by booing the Argentinian national anthem before the match. The confrontation at the final whistle further highlighted the rivalry between the two teams.
France, the 2024 Olympic hosts, last won gold in men’s football in 1984. They will now face Egypt in the semi-finals, who beat Paraguay 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Argentina, who defeated France on penalties in the 2022 World Cup, had hoped to become the first nation to hold both the World Cup and Olympic titles since Italy in 1936. The result rounded off a successful day for French sport, as they won gold medals in judo, swimming, and cycling BMX earlier in the day.
Spain Defeats Japan to Set Up Semi-Final with Morocco
In another quarter-final match, Spain secured a place in the Olympic men’s football semi-finals by defeating Japan 3-0. Fermin Lopez, part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 squad, was the star of the match, scoring two goals. The Barcelona midfielder opened the scoring with a left-foot drive into the right corner and added his second with a dipping right-foot shot from 20 yards. Japan’s Mao Hosoya thought he had equalized late in the first half, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a lengthy VAR review. Abel Ruiz sealed victory for Spain with a late tap-in.
Spain will now face Morocco in the semi-finals. Morocco dominated their quarter-final match against the United States, winning 4-0. Soufiane Rahimi opened the scoring from the penalty spot, Ilias Akhomach doubled their lead with a close-range finish, and captain Achraf Hakimi extended their advantage with a left-foot effort after a fine run. Substitute Mehdi Maouhoub scored the fourth goal from another penalty in stoppage time. Morocco’s victory marks their first time reaching the semi-finals in the Olympic men’s football competition.
Achraf Hakimi expressed his excitement about playing in France, where he also plays for Paris St-Germain. He noted that the support from the fans in the stadium and their loud cheers made him feel at home. Hakimi hopes that the fans will continue to support them in the upcoming matches and that they can make them proud by reaching the final.
In conclusion, the Olympic men’s football quarter-finals were filled with intense matches and moments of controversy. France’s victory over Argentina was overshadowed by the confrontation between the teams at the final whistle. Meanwhile, Spain’s impressive performance against Japan secured them a spot in the semi-finals, where they will face Morocco. The semi-final matches promise to be exciting as the teams vie for a chance to compete for the gold medal.