France narrowly defeated Argentina in a thrilling quarter-final to reach the semi-finals of the Olympic soccer tournament. Mateta’s header was enough for Les Bleus to avenge their defeat in the World Cup final
While France rotated back after their 3-0 win over New Zealand, with regulars such as Bayern newcomer Olise and captain Lacazette starting from the beginning, Argentina coach Javier Mascherano made three changes to his starting eleven compared to the 2-0 win over Ukraine.
The French team started more lively and quickly made it clear that they were determined to reach the semi-finals. While Les Bleus often combined forward in impressive fashion after just a few minutes, Argentina initially defended their attacking attempts with passion. However, when Olise irresistibly crossed the first corner of the game to ex-Mainzer Mateta, the world champions were forced to concede defeat early on and were thus behind early on (5.).
Les Bleus let 2:0 slip – Simeone misses the equalizer
France kept their foot on the gas pedal after that, but missed two first-class opportunities to score number two in the person of Millot (18th) and Mateta (20th). Up to this point, the Argentinians had struggled to get going in attack, but Zenon also made his presence felt in the opposition penalty area. The midfielder’s shot missed its target by around two meters (23′).
Les Bleus relinquished control of the game and from then on were only involved in defending. Restes parried a long-range shot from Fernandez to the side before Simeone missed a one hundred percent chance to equalize (36′).
Olise’s goal is conceded by VAR
After the half-time break, there was a long idle period on both sides as play shifted between the penalty areas. It was not until the 68th minute that the French side appeared in front of the Argentinian box again, but this time Mateta was unlucky with his header
Argentina lacked penetration, but had to become more offensive in the closing stages, which opened up counter-attacking opportunities for France. Olise took advantage of one of these to make it 2-0 in the 84th minute, but his celebration was short-lived. Because Akliouche, who had provided the assist, had committed a foul beforehand, the goal was rescinded after a check by the VAR (88′). Although there were still twelve minutes of stoppage time, the Argentinians were unable to take advantage of it and were eliminated
Meanwhile, the French were breaking all the dams, which led to a large scuffle shortly after the final whistle, but this was quickly settled. Referee Ilgiz Tantashev observed the scene from afar and subsequently red-carded Stuttgart’s Millot. As a result, the midfielder will miss at least the semi-final, which the French will play against Egypt in Lyon on Monday at 9pm.
