Soccer Report: France and Argentina Add New Rivalry, African Football Makes History

The quarterfinals of the Paris Olympic men’s soccer tournament have all concluded. Morocco’s Olympic team defeated the United States’ Olympic team 4-0, while Egypt’s Olympic team eliminated Paraguay’s Olympic team in a penalty shootout. These two African teams have advanced together into the semi-finals of the Olympic men’s soccer competition. Additionally, host nation France’s Olympic team narrowly beat Argentina’s Olympic team 1-0, reaching the semi-finals of the Olympic men’s soccer for the first time in 40 years.

The Soccer Report wrote: “Japan’s Olympic team, without overage players, suffered a 0-3 defeat to Spain, failing to create the history of reaching the semi-finals of the men’s soccer competition in consecutive Olympics. Meanwhile, Morocco’s 4-0 victory over the United States and Egypt’s elimination of Paraguay via a penalty shootout means that two African teams have reached the semi-finals of the Olympic men’s soccer, a first in history. The semi-finals will feature Morocco against Spain, and France against Egypt, ensuring that an African team will win an Olympic men’s soccer medal after advancing past the quarterfinals for the first time in eight tournaments.”

The Soccer Report also discussed the France-Argentina match. The Soccer Report wrote: “In the quarterfinals of the Olympic men’s soccer, one of the most anticipated matches was the revenge game between France and Argentina. Indeed, this match added new grievances, with France’s Olympic team avenging the national team’s loss in the 2022 World Cup final. After the game, a mass confrontation involving more than 30 players erupted, resulting in France’s main midfielder Miju being sent off with a red card. The rivalry between the two teams, which has lasted for over a year, seems destined to continue.”