Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice, helping hosts France overturn a deficit to beat Egypt 3-1 in extra time on Monday. This win secured France a spot in the Olympic men’s football final against Spain. Under Thierry Henry’s leadership, the French team faced a tough semi-final in Lyon when Mahmoud Saber scored for Egypt just after the hour mark. However, Mateta’s late goal pushed the match into extra time, where he headed France into the lead following Omar Fayed’s red card. Michael Olise sealed the victory in the 108th minute.
France’s Journey to the Final
France, aiming for their second Olympic men’s football gold and their first since 1984, will face Spain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday. Coach Thierry Henry expressed his excitement, saying, “We don’t want to be the team that fails to win a medal. Now, we’ll see what color it will be. This is a dream come true, and I don’t want it to end.”
Match Highlights
France showed determination, hitting the woodwork twice late in the first half. Although Saber’s goal for Egypt on the 62nd minute momentarily halted their momentum, Mateta equalized in the 83rd minute with an assist from Bayern Munich’s new signing Olise. The game saw further drama with a dismissed penalty appeal and Fayed’s second yellow card in extra time, which gave France a numerical advantage. Mateta’s header in the 99th minute and Olise’s goal early in the second half of extra time confirmed France’s win.
Spain’s Route to the Final
Earlier, Spain secured their spot in the final with a 2-1 comeback win against Morocco in Marseille. Morocco initially led through a Soufiane Rahimi penalty, the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Spain equalized in the 66th minute through Fermin Lopez and clinched the victory in the 85th minute with a goal from substitute Juanlu Sanchez.
Bronze Medal Contest
Morocco will now compete against Egypt for the bronze medal on Thursday in Nantes, setting up an exciting North African clash.
