France beat Argentina in an electrifying duel in Bordeaux / Photo: CNN En Español
The French football team qualified for the semi-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament after beating Argentina 1-0 in Bordeaux on Friday.
An early goal from Mateta put France ahead in the 5th minute and Argentina’s persistence failed to equalise the game despite the numerous chances the Albicelestes had, especially in the final minutes of the match.
The match, which was high-voltage because it involved two world and Olympic champions, was thrilling in the final moments and only the security of the European defense, which has yet to concede a goal in this contest, prevented the South Americans from finding a draw.
Egypt eliminated Paraguay
Egypt, which snatched the group lead from Spain in the first phase, made history again at the Paris Games and, with a victory on penalties (5-4) after a 1-1 draw, frustrated Paraguay’s dream of emulating the feat it achieved twenty years ago in Athens, where it won the Olympic silver medal.
A goal by Ibrahim Adel in the 88th minute, when the Paraguayans were tasting success after a goal by Diego Gomez in the 71st minute, was the beginning of the end for the South Americans. In the penalty shoot-out, a save by goalkeeper Hamza Alaa from Marcelo Perez’s shot tipped the balance.
The Albirroja faced the match burdened by the absence of their top scorer, Marcelo Fernández, who scored the 1-0 against Mali that earned them a place in the quarter-finals and who was suspended due to an accumulation of cards, and by the fatigue accumulated during a surreal trip from Paris to Marseille scheduled for last Wednesday and which did not end until Thursday.
Other classifieds
Spain secured their ticket to the semi-finals after beating Japan 3-0, thanks to goals from Fermín López (11′ and 73′) and Abel Ruiz (86′).
In another round of 8 match at Paris 2024, Morocco showed its offensive power and beat the United States 4-0.
These matches have decided the semi-finals, which will take place on Monday. That day, Morocco will challenge Spain and France will face Egypt.
Bordeaux / EFE
#France #eliminates #Argentina #highvoltage #clash #advances #semifinals #Paris
2024-08-03 14:43:58
