France advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympics at home, maintaining their 100% record with a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Five minutes in, Jean-Phillipe Mateta of Crystal Palace headed in a cross from his old teammate Michael Olise, and that was ultimately enough to move Thierry Henry’s team forward.
Argentina was unable to capitalise on their luck before player tempers broke at the final siren, although VAR denied France a second late in the game.
In the 2022 World Cup final between these legendary footballing nations, Argentina emerged victorious, and there were just as many thrilling moments as there were spills.
Mateta’s opening goal set the tone for Les Bleus’ commanding performance in the first half. Enzo Millot came near to doubling France’s lead, but Geronimo Rulli stopped him from scoring again.
In the second half, Mateta again met an Olise corner, but this time his header went just over. Giuliano Simeone should have done better before the break.
Ten minutes from time, Olise appeared to have finished off a moral performance with his own goal, but VAR disallowed the score due to a foul in the build-up.
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