Hosts France to Clash with Argentina in Men’s Football Quarter-Finals
Hosts France have advanced to the Olympic men’s football quarter-finals and are set to face Argentina after topping Group A. This progression comes following a decisive victory over New Zealand.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring for a dominant French side that registered an impressive 34 shots compared to New Zealand’s nine. Mateta netted the opening goal in the 19th minute, setting the tone for a relentless offensive effort by France.
Despite the pressure, New Zealand managed to hold out until the 71st minute. However, their defense eventually crumbled, allowing Desire Doue to score from close range. Arnaud Kalimuendo sealed the win with a near-post drive three minutes later, securing France’s place in the last eight.
France finished the group stage with a perfect record, having also defeated the United States and Guinea in their previous matches.
Adding a layer of tension to the upcoming quarter-final clash, recent animosity has arisen between France and Argentina. The hostility stems from an incident on 14 July, when Argentinian players were filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players after their Copa America victory. This incident has sparked backlash, with Argentina’s rugby sevens team being booed by French fans during their Olympic matches.
As France prepares to face Argentina, the match promises to be charged with both competitive and emotional intensity, reflecting the recent tensions between the two nations.
