Mateta fires France past Argentina and sets up semi-final clash with Egypt
Jean-Philippe Mateta sent host nation France into the Olympic Games semi-final with his fifth minute header knocking out Argentina.
Thierry Henry’s side started with a burst and then controlled proceedings by limiting a lively Argentine forward line to few chances.
France thought they had settled the tie with six minutes remaining with Michael Olise scoring after providing an assist for the opener.
However, VAR ruled out the second goal to the disbelief of French fans for an apparent foul in the build-up.
Despite Argentina throwing men forward and substitute Luciano Gondou blazing a glorious chance over, France held on for a one-goal victory.
Tension between the two nations was evident from before kick-off and boiled over after the full-time whistle with pushing on the pitch.
Despite riding their luck against a wasteful Argentina side, France head into the semi-final having not conceded a goal in their four tournament matches.
France face Egypt in the semi-final on Monday at the Stade de Marseille.
Talking Point – Argentina lack killer punch resulting in tournament exit
Argentina would have looked towards Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez to guide his nation towards the Olympic Games semi-final.
However, the 24-year-old, who is yet to decide his City future, struggled to find the final touch when it mattered.
His best chance came in the second half with the game finely in the balance, but he fired wide from a tight angle.
Substitute Luciano Gondou also had a chance to rescue a way back into the match but fired over late on.
Player of the match – Michael Olise (France)
The Bayern Munich midfielder proved the difference as he provided an assist for the game’s only goal from former Crystal Palace team-mate Mateta.
The 22-year-old was cruelly denied a goal of his own with six minutes remaining, after VAR ruled his effort out for a foul earlier in the move.
Olise provided a threat which worried the Argentina defence from the first minute until full-time.
Player Ratings
France: Restes 8, Sildillia 7, Bade 8, Lukeba 8, Truffert 7, Millot 7, Kone 7, Chotard 7, Olise 8, Mateta 8, Lacazette 8
Subs: Akliouche 7, Kalimuendo 7, Locko 6, Magassa 6
Argentina: Rulli 8, Garcia 6, Di Cesare 6, Otamendi 7, Amione 6, Zenon 7, Medina 7, Fernandez 7, Almada 6, Simeone 7, Alvarez 6
Subs: Beltran 6, Echeverri 7, Gondou 6, Lujan 6, Soler 6
Match Highlights
5’ – GOAL! FRANCE 1 (MATETA) ARGENTINA 0
Olise sends a corner into the box and Mateta has got the run on Otamendi at the front post and powerfully heads home.
It’s a really powerful effort by the Crystal Palace man who gave the goalkeeper no chance.
23 – ZENON RUNS THROUGH ON GOAL
It’s a rare chance for Argentina after a long ball over the top was perfect for the run of Zenon. However, the forward dragged his effort harmlessly wide of Restes’ goal.
29 – RESTES FORCED INTO FLYING SAVE
Fernandez receives the ball almost directly in front of goal but outside the box. The Argentina man turns his body and then has a vicious effort which forces a fine save from Restes.
36 – SIMEONE MISSES A SITTER
Despite losing his footing in the box Metina does brilliantly to flick the ball up perfectly for the head of Simeone.
However, the Atletico Madrid man somehow sends his header over when the goal was at his mervy.
66 – GOLDEN CHANCE FOR ALVAREZ
France fall asleep at the back and a nice ball into the feet of Alvarez allows the Man City man through on goal.
However, he rushes his angled finish which flies wide.
Almost an exact replica of the opening goal as Olise’s corner is met at the front post by Mateta. However, this time the forward’s header flies over the crossbar.
A fine piece of battling play out wide by France results in the ball coming in for Akliouche and then Olise whose deflected effort flies into the net.
However, VAR looks at a foul by Akliouche who bundled the ball past the Argentina defender inside the box.
There was no complaint at all by Argentina at the time. It’s an unbelievable decision and Akliouche is booked.
90+9 – GONDOU HAS GLORIOUS CHANCE
The ball falls inside the box for substitute Gondou who has to test the goalkeeper. However, his effort is blazed over the bar.
Key Stats
France are yet to concede a goal in their four Olympic Games matches
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