- France defeated Argentina 1-0 in the semi-finals of the men’s Olympic football tournament
- This match was another chapter in one of the fiercest rivalries in international football
- A wild brawl involving 30 players erupted on the field in Bordeaux after the final whistle
After their 1-0 Olympic quarter-final win over Argentina, France coach Thierry Henry labeled the conduct of some players as unacceptable following a brawl and a subsequent red card for midfielder Enzo Millot.
France, the host nation, eliminated Argentina on Friday, avenging their defeat in the previous World Cup final, a rivalry fueled recently by a video depicting Argentine players making racist chants against the French squad.
The victory, secured by a fifth-minute goal from Jean-Philippe Mateta, was overshadowed shortly after the final whistle when French celebrations sparked a brief altercation, resulting in Millot receiving a red card.
‘I don’t agree with what transpired at the end,’ Henry told Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports.
‘I apologize for the disturbance at the end. It’s not what I wanted and I couldn’t manage it.’
France coach Thierry Henry called the behaviour of some of his players unacceptable
Both sets of players clashed with each other after France beat Argentina 1-0 in Bordeaux
‘One of my players received a red card and I find that unacceptable, it should never happen. I went to shake hands with (Argentine coach Javier) Mascherano, and when I turned back, it had occurred.’
Despite the chaos, Henry commended his Argentine counterpart Mascherano after a closely contested match in which Argentina sought an equalizer but was ultimately kept at bay by the French defense.
‘We attempted to exploit spaces between the lines, but it was very challenging,’ the former France international remarked.
This was the latest episode in one of international football’s fiercest rivalries in recent years
‘Argentina controlled possession while we played on the counter. The early goal came quickly; I wouldn’t say it intimidated us, but it forced us to be patient, which is not easy.’
France will face Egypt on Monday for a chance to compete in the final, aiming for their first Olympic soccer gold medal in four decades.
