Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal as France defeated intercontinental rivals Argentina to reach the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Les Bleus have made a statement of intent from the very beginning of the men’s football tournament, winning all their games in the group stage.
The momentum did not shift against the Albiceleste with Mateta sending in a powerful header in the fifth minute of play.
It was the Crystal Palace forward’s second goal of the competition after netting in the 3-0 win over New Zealand in the group stage.
New Bayern Munich recruit Michael Olise thought he had doubled France’s lead in the 84th minute but it was ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
𝐎𝐍 𝐋’𝐀 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓, 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐄 🇫🇷🙌
Victoire 1-0 face à l’Argentine ! Nos Bleus décrochent leur qualification en 𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈-𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐉𝐎 🤩🔥#FRAARG | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/xcdFty4vDG
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) August 2, 2024
Argentina tried to pile on the pressure with 10 minutes of added time but Thierry Henry’s men held firm to move into the semi-finals where they will face Egypt, who got the better of Paraguay on penalties in the earlier quarter-final.
