July 31 – In the last eight of the Olympic football tournament, France and Argentina will renew their rivalry after progressing from their groups with victories against New Zealand and Ukraine.
The French defeated New Zealand 3-0 to claim a spot in the last eight, but Thierry Henry’s team is yet to entirely convince after a goalless draw against Guinea and a win against the United States, who, after finishing runners up in Group A, face Morocco in the quarterfinals. The Americans advance from the group phase for the first time since the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000.
France won the Olympic tournament in 1984, defeating Brazil 2-0 in the final and they want to repeat the feat 40 years later on home soil. The tournament could also mark a turning point in the coaching career of Henry, who is yet to convince as manager after spells at Monaco and Montreal.
After the Guinea draw, Henry said his side needed to apply a killer instinct and Jean-Philippe Mateta, Desire Doue and Arnaud Kalimuendo delivered the goals against the Oly Whites as France went unbeaten in the group stage.
The hosts will face 2004 and 2008 champions Argentina, who squeezed through with a 2-0 victory against Ukraine. Argentina had lost their opener against Morocco but recovered with consecutive wins. After a commanding first half in a 3-0 win against Iraq, Morocco topped Group B on goal difference. The match saw a pitch invader with a Palestinian flag removed by security.
The quarterfinal tie between the hosts and Argentina is a repeat of the epic 2022 World Cup final when the South Americans and Lionel Messi prevailed from the penalty spot. Tensions may flare again after Argentina’s racists chants at the Copa America.
Pre-tournament favourites Spain were leapfrogged at the top of their group after a 2-1 defeat to Egypt. The Spanish had already qualified and will face Japan who topped Group D after eliminating Israel with a 1-0 victory.
The Israelis go home after FIFA’s decision to allow the independent legal panel over the Israel-Palestine dispute more time, paved the way for their participation. Throughout the tournament, the Israeli team, like the rest of their Olympic delegation, enjoyed heightened protection by a security detail and often jeering from crowds.
Egypt and Paraguay will dispute the last quarter-final match.
Defending champions Brazil didn’t qualify for the tournament, which culminates on August 10 with the final in Paris.
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