The Olympic men’s football quarter-final clash between France and Argentina has been characterized as deeply personal for every French citizen, according to striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, following outrage over footage showing Argentine players engaging in racist chants.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated since a video surfaced after last month’s Copa América final, which depicted Argentina’s squad singing about French players of African descent.
During the early days of the Games in Paris, fans expressed their discontent by booing Argentina’s football and rugby sevens teams, and players from both nations have recognized the heightened emotions leading up to Friday evening’s match in Bordeaux.
Mateta emphasized that the game has taken on national significance, stating, “Argentina are the reigning world champions, a team that consistently reaches the finals in tournaments. With the recent events, the feelings resonate with every French citizen. We’ll see how it unfolds in the quarter-finals.”
The French football federation lodged a complaint with FIFA last month concerning “racist and discriminatory remarks” made by Argentine players. Similar chants had been heard from Argentine fans prior to the meeting between France and Argentina in the men’s World Cup final two years ago, a match won by Argentina.
Argentina and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, who shared a video on social media of the team singing the racist chants after winning the Copa América, has since apologized and made a donation to an anti-discrimination charity.
Wesley Fofana, a French defender and Fernández’s Chelsea teammate, initially condemned the video as “uninhibited racism” but later accepted Fernández’s apology.
However, the French fans in the Olympic venues have shown little forgiveness, as Argentina’s national anthem was met with widespread jeers, raising fears of potentially hostile scenes on Friday evening.
Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli remarked, “We know our origins and how we will be treated in France, but you can be sure we will strive to elevate our flag to the highest level once again.”
Heightened security measures will be in place for the match, and French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo stated that he anticipates an “electric match” at the 42,000-seat Stade de Bordeaux.
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“Our focus remains on achieving our goals as a unit,” Rulli stated. “Our aim is to go all the way, and we won’t elaborate further on that. The federation is handling the matters outside the pitch.”
Joris Chotard, France’s defensive midfielder, expressed the need for concentration, noting, “This could serve as a sort of revenge; the opportunity is ours to seize. Either way, a match between France and Argentina is a significant occasion.”
France’s coach, former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, has provided subtle hints about the game’s background and its heightened significance to some players. “A new tournament is commencing,” he remarked after France’s progression to the quarter-finals.
