France’s victory over Argentina at the Olympic Games concluded with a physical altercation, reigniting tensions between the two nations.

During the Olympic quarter-final match between France and Argentina on Friday, tensions escalated, resulting in unpleasant scenes. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s goal secured a 1-0 victory for France, propelling them into the semi-finals alongside Spain, Morocco, and Egypt.

At the conclusion of the match in Bordeaux, emotions boiled over as players and staff from both teams engaged in confrontations on the field and continued their disputes in the tunnel.

Crystal Palace striker Mateta demonstrated his prowess by scoring a remarkable header in the fifth minute of the match, capitalizing on Michael Olise’s corner kick near the post.

This decisive goal proved sufficient for the French team, led by coach Thierry Henry, to secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will face Egypt.

It is noteworthy that this encounter marked the first meeting between France and Argentina since the controversial incident during Argentina’s Copa America celebration in mid-July. Recordings emerged of Argentina players engaging in racist chants targeting French players, including star striker Kylian Mbappe.

In response to this incident, FIFA announced its intention to conduct an investigation into the matter, as the chants contained racist and derogatory remarks directed at French players.

The Argentina team faced a hostile reception, with the crowd vocally jeering their national anthem during the encounter, marking the first meeting since their victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final, which they won via penalties.

Henry reported that midfielder Enzo Millot, who had been substituted late in the match, received a red card after the final whistle.

“He wasn’t on the field. Typically, a second yellow card is issued to prevent a player from advancing on goal, not for someone who is on the bench. I am quite displeased with that decision,” Henry stated to broadcaster France 3.

Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez squandered opportunities for Javier Mascherano’s Argentina, and the elimination of the two-time gold medalists signifies that the men's football gold will not be claimed by a Latin American team for the first time since Cameroon’s victory in Sydney in 2000.

France could have secured a more significant victory, but Olise's late second goal was disallowed due to a foul in the lead-up. Spain and Morocco advance to the next stage.

They are now strong favorites to win their semi-final match in Lyon on Monday against Egypt, who triumphed over Paraguay 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Marseille.

Ibrahim Adel emerged as Egypt’s hero, netting a late equalizer in regular time and subsequently converting the decisive penalty in the shootout, where Paraguay’s Marcelo Perez was the sole player to miss.

Earlier, a remarkable brace from Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez propelled Spain to a 3-0 victory over Japan in Lyon. Lopez, a member of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 team, scored the opening goal from distance in the 11th minute.

He added another goal of exceptional quality in the 73rd minute, skillfully controlling a corner from Sergio Gomez before volleying from the edge of the box.

Captain Abel Ruiz sealed the victory for Spain, who were Olympic champions in 1992 and silver medalists three years ago in Tokyo.

Spain will face Morocco in the semi-finals in Marseille, following Morocco's impressive 4-0 win over the United States in Paris.

Soufiane Rahimi successfully initiated the scoring by converting a penalty kick after being fouled within the penalty area shortly before the thirty-minute mark.

This accomplishment marked his fifth goal in four matches, solidifying his position as the tournament’s leading scorer.

The Moroccan team further extended their advantage in the sixty-third minute when Mr. Abde Ezzalzouli skillfully set up Mr. Ilias Akhomach, who effectively directed the ball into the near post.

Captain Achraf Hakimi, playing on his home ground at Paris Saint-Germain, demonstrated exceptional athleticism by sprinting through the field to secure the third goal.

Subsequently, substitute player Mehdi Maouhoub successfully converted another penalty during stoppage time.

“If we maintain our current level of performance, we will have earned our place in the final,” stated Akhomach.

“Other nations may receive more attention, but we are clear about our objectives. Our purpose here is to achieve victory.”