France advanced to the Olympic men’s football final after a thrilling 3-1 victory over Egypt in extra time on Monday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice, and Michael Olise added another goal, allowing France to overcome an early deficit and secure a matchup against Spain.
In the semifinal held in Lyon, Egypt‘s Mahmoud Saber put his team ahead just after the hour mark. Mateta, a Crystal Palace striker, equalized with seven minutes left in regulation. Extra time saw Egypt’s Omar Fayed sent off, and France capitalized on their numerical advantage. Mateta scored again from a header, and Olise sealed the victory with a goal in the 108th minute. France aims to claim their second Olympic gold in men’s football, their first since 1984.
Earlier, Spain secured their place in the final by defeating Morocco 2-1 in Marseille. Spain previously won gold in 1992 and earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Games. Egypt and Morocco will face off in Nantes on Thursday in a playoff for the bronze medal.
Despite the absence of suspended midfielders Manu Kone and Enzo Millot, France created several scoring opportunities. Egypt initially absorbed pressure before taking the lead in the 62nd minute when Saber scored after a blocked attempt. France nearly equalized immediately, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession. The equalizer came in the 83rd minute when Olise set up Mateta for the goal.
As extra time began, Fayed received a second yellow card, leaving Egypt shorthanded. France took the lead when Olise’s corner was headed in by Mateta, who scored his fourth goal of the tournament. Olise capped off the scoring early in the second half of extra time.
France now looks forward to the final against Spain, scheduled for Friday at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Thierry Henry’s men are into the Men’s Olympic Football tournament final 🔥🔥#Paris2024 | #CloserToYourChampions pic.twitter.com/nKVnlMP4yd
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 5, 2024
Spain snatch the win right at the death to break Moroccan hearts ❌
They make successive Olympic finals 👏#CloserToYourChampions pic.twitter.com/usdAA0fba6
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) August 5, 2024
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