In an electrifying semi-final of the men’s Olympic football tournament, France emerged victorious over Argentina with a narrow 1-0 win. This encounter added another intense chapter to one of the sport’s most storied rivalries.
The match, held at Bordeaux’s Nouveau Stade, saw France secure their place in the finals against Egypt, thanks to an early goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace.
Managed by Thierry Henry, the French team’s victory was highly anticipated, especially given the history between these two footballing giants.
The tension between France and Argentina has been simmering since December 2022, when Argentina defeated France in a dramatic World Cup final penalty shootout.
The fallout from that game included a controversial chant from some Argentine fans, which was criticized for being racist, homophobic, and transphobic.
This chant resurfaced after Argentina’s Copa America win this summer, adding fuel to the fire.
Before the match, Argentina’s national anthem was met with widespread boos from the French crowd.
The atmosphere was charged, and the presence of a heavy police force was intended to prevent any potential clashes between fans.
After the final whistle, the situation on the pitch escalated quickly.
What began as a jubilant celebration from the French bench soon turned into a chaotic 30-man brawl.
The fight spread across the field, eventually making its way to the tunnel where the commotion continued.
The Aftermath
Despite the chaos, France’s players later returned to celebrate their hard-fought win with their passionate supporters. The match was a showcase of intense football, even in the absence of stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
The referee had a busy evening, issuing 30 fouls, 10 yellow cards, and sending off French midfielder Enzo Millot.
The Line-Up
Both teams featured prominent players, with Argentina led by former Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi and France by ex-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The U23 tournament allowed each team to include only three over-aged players, adding an extra layer of strategy to the competition.
TDPel Media
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