A final for Thierry Henry and the Blues!

2 months ago 17
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Trailing in the score, the French team qualified for the final of the Olympic football tournament by dominating Egypt (3-1 aet) in Lyon. This is the first final for the Blues since the gold medal in 1984, and it will be Friday against Spain.

The adventure continues! The French men’s team has qualified for the final of the Olympic Games football tournament and can still dream of a golden consecration.

After the stormy quarter-final against Argentina (1-0), Thierry Henry’s players suffered in another way in this semi-final against Egypt in Lyon. The Pharaohs opened the scoring in the second half, on a powerful strike from Mahmoud Saber (0-1, 63rd), and we then feared for France a disappointment comparable to that caused by the Blues during their defeat in the quarter-finals against Brazil.

Mateta the providential man

It must be said that the Tricolores were unlucky for a long time. Loïc Badé had placed a header on the post in the first half (41st) and the Egyptians were saved on two other occasions by their posts on the same action, with a post for captain Alexandre Lacazette and the bar for Badé, again (75th).

The Blues were finally freed by Jean-Philippe Mateta, who made good use of an opening from Michael Olise (1-1, 83rd). And it was the same Mateta who gave his team the lead in extra time, on a pass from Killian Sildillia (2-1, 99th). The Crystal Palace striker, a surprise on Henry’s list, confirmed that he is the providential man for the Blues with this fourth goal in the competition.

With a goal from Michael Olise (3-1, 108th), the Tricolores killed the suspense and offered France a second Olympic final after the gold medal in Los Angeles in 1984. It will be Friday at the Parc des Princes, for a dream final against Spain.

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Written by:

Manu Tournoux

Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
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