
France continued their 100% record at their home Olympics as they defeated Argentina 1-0 to advance to the semi-finals.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Phillipe Mateta headed in from a cross from his former club-mate Michael Olise five minutes in, and that ultimately proved enough for Thierry Henry's men to progress.
VAR disallowed France a second late on, but Argentina could not make their fortune count before tempers boiled over between the players at the final whistle.
Argentina came out on top in the 2022 World Cup final between these great footballing nations, and there were an equal amount of thrills and spills this time around.
Mateta's early goal set the tone for a dominant display from Les Bleus in the first half, with Enzo Millot going close before Geronimo Rulli denied France's goalscorer a second.
While Giuliano Simeone should have done better before the break, it was a similar story in the second half as Mateta again met an Olise corner, but this time his header went just over.
Olise seemed to have capped off a virtuous display with a goal of his own 10 minutes from time, but VAR disallowed the goal for a foul in the build-up.
Loic Bade struck the woodwork just after, and Claudio Echeverri - just on as a substitute - may have made France pay had he kept his composure with the goal gaping, only to slice over as Les Bleus held on to set up a semi-final against Egypt, who beat Paraguay 5-4 on penalties.
Data Debrief: France's Palace connection
Two players who starred at Selhurst Park last season were the main men in Bordeaux on Friday.
He was a constant threat, taking the most shots for France (three) and contributing 0.35 of their 0.97 expected goals (xG), while also having the joint-most touches inside the box (four, level with Olise).
Olise shone in a central role behind his former team-mate, creating three chances, the joint-most of any player in the match.
LATEST STORIES
Guyana President Dr. Irfaan Ali Calls for Greater Investment in Sports as an Economic Enterprise at CANOC Executive Meeting
- 2025-02-07 08:56:15
- Hits 334
Minister Grange to Offer Assistance to Para Athletes Dale and Dave Oddman Following Mother’s Passing
- 2025-02-20 06:24:25
- Hits 255
Hansle Parchment Cherishes ‘Truly Special’ Reunion with Tokyo Hero Teiyana Stojkovic in Jamaica
- 2025-03-19 10:53:14
- Hits 237
CANOC Seeks Stronger Ties with CARICOM to Position Sport as Key Pillar of Regional Development
- 2025-02-21 06:23:35
- Hits 222
Court of Arbitration for Sport Dismisses Nayoka Clunis’ Appeal Against World Athletics Decision
- 2025-03-19 17:30:25
- Hits 210