The Olympic men’s football final all set as France defeats Egypt
Coming from behind, hosts France, led by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s brace, managed to beat Egypt 3-1 in extra time on Monday. This victory sets up a thrilling Olympic men’s football final against Spain, who narrowly defeated Morocco 2-1.
In a dramatic semi-final match in Lyon, Thierry Henry’s France seemed to be on the verge of defeat after Mahmoud Saber scored for Egypt against the run of play just after the hour mark. However, Crystal Palace striker Mateta equalized late to force extra time, where he then headed France into the lead after Egypt’s Omar Fayed was shown a red card. Michael Olise sealed the win in the 108th minute.
France, eying their second Olympic men’s football gold medal and the first since 1984, will now face Spain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. Henry expressed his pride, stating, “When you see France picking up medals all over the place, you say to yourself, it is up to us now to not let everyone down.”
The equalizer came in the 83rd minute, with new Bayern Munich signing Olise providing the assist for Mateta. Despite their best efforts, France couldn’t find a winner in regulation time, with a VAR review dismissing a penalty appeal.
Egypt’s fate took a turn for the worse in extra time when Fayed was sent off after receiving his second yellow card. France capitalized on the numerical advantage, with Sildillia assisting Mateta’s fourth goal of the tournament in the 99th minute.
Egypt and Morocco Set to Battle for Bronze Medal
In the other semi-final in Marseille, substitute Juanlu Sanchez scored a late winner for Spain as they staged a comeback to defeat Morocco. Morocco had initially taken the lead through a Soufiane Rahimi penalty towards the end of the first half.
However, Spain equalized through Fermin Lopez in the 66th minute before Sanchez secured the victory in the 85th minute. Morocco will now compete against Egypt in the bronze medal match in Nantes on Thursday.
Overall, it promises to be an exciting finale to the men’s Olympic football tournament as France and Spain gear up to battle for the coveted gold medal.