France To Play Argentina In Olympic Quarter-finals

Hosts France will play Argentina in the Olympic men’s football quarter-finals after progressing to the last eight by beating New Zealand to top Group A.

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta got the opening goal for a dominant France who registered an impressive 34 shots to New Zealand’s nine.

Mateta gave them a 19th-minute lead and New Zealand soon found themselves placed under relentless pressure as the hosts looked to add to their tally.

They managed to hold out until the 71st minute, but the Kiwis’ defence eventually cracked and Desire Doue tucked home from close range before Arnaud Kalimuendo fired home a near-post drive three minutes later.

France finish the group stage having won each of their three games following victories over the United States and Guinea.

There has been recent animosity between France and their quarter-final opponents after Argentinian players were filmed singing a derogatory song about France’s black players after winning the Copa America on 14 July.

At the Olympics, Argentina’s rugby sevens players were booed in each of their games, with French fans upset by the Argentine footballers’ behaviour.