France Set Up Olympic Men's Football Final Against Spain
NDTV
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice as hosts France came from behind to beat Egypt 3-1 after extra time on Monday and set up an Olympic men's football final showdown with Spain
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice as hosts France came from behind to beat Egypt 3-1 after extra time on Monday and set up an Olympic men's football final showdown with Spain, who edged Morocco 2-1. Thierry Henry's France looked to be heading for defeat in their semi-final in Lyon after Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead against the run of play just after the hour mark. But Crystal Palace striker Mateta levelled late on to force extra time, in which he headed France in front after Egypt's Omar Fayed was sent off. (Paris 2024 Medals Tally)
Michael Olise then sealed the win on 108 minutes and France, looking for their second Olympic men's football gold medal and first since 1984, will now face Spain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday.
"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," said France coach Henry.
"You don't want to be the team who don't win a medal so at least that is done. Now we will see what colour we get, but honestly I am living a dream here and I don't want to wake up."
France hit the woodwork through Loic Bade late in the first half and were caught out by a sucker punch when Saber fired Egypt ahead against the run of play on 62 minutes.
