Argentina is bracing themselves for a hostile atmosphere as they prepare to face hosts France in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament. The tension stems from a recent video showing Argentina players singing an offensive song about French players of African heritage during their Copa América victory celebrations. These chants were previously heard by some Argentinian fans before Lionel Messi’s team beat France in the 2022 World Cup final.
The French public’s discontent with Argentina spilled over to the Olympic stage when Argentina’s men’s rugby sevens players were incessantly booed by a 69,000-strong Stade de France crowd during a quarterfinal match against the home team. This rare outburst of hostility sets the stage for what Argentina goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli describes as an anticipated “climate of hostility” in their upcoming match against France.
Following the controversial video, the French soccer federation lodged a complaint with FIFA, prompting an investigation that reached political levels. Argentine President Javier Milei and French President Emmanuel Macron even met in Paris to address the issue, signaling a desire to move past the controversy and focus on the impending match.
Argentina’s path to the quarterfinals has been marred by challenges, including a chaotic opener against Morocco which ended in a pitch invasion and objects being thrown onto the field by opposing fans. The team’s training base was also targeted by thieves, adding to the tumultuous start to their Olympic campaign. However, coach Javier Mascherano emphasizes the importance of staying focused on the upcoming match against a formidable French team.
Despite France’s strong performance in the group stage, Argentina remains optimistic about their chances in the quarterfinal clash. French Olympic soccer coach Thierry Henry acknowledges the unpredictable nature of knockout matches, highlighting Argentina’s blend of youth and experience as a potential threat to his team’s advancement in the tournament. The winner of this quarterfinal will face either Egypt or Paraguay in the semifinals, with a shot at Olympic gold on the line.
As Argentina prepares to face France amidst a backdrop of controversy and tension, the focus remains on the upcoming match and the opportunity to showcase their talent on the Olympic stage. Despite the challenges and hostility they may encounter, Argentina is determined to put aside distractions and give their best performance against a formidable opponent. The quarterfinal clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the semifinals and a chance to compete for Olympic glory in Paris.
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