It was expected since its inaugural defeat conceded against Morocco: Argentina will stand in the way of the Bleuets, Friday, in the quarter-finals of the Olympic tournament. While the French team locked down first place in its group by easily dominating New Zealand, Argentina validated its qualification by winning 2-0 against Ukraine, nevertheless having to settle for second place in its group.
The France-Argentina confrontation will smell of sulfur. A consequence of the excesses that followed the final of the last World Cup and in particular the racist chants, still recently heard after the victory of the Albiceleste at the Copa America. “There are necessarily antecedents. Whether it’s the World Cup, whether it’s the chants that we’ve heard, Joris Chotard confided after the victory against New Zealand in comments relayed by the Midi Libre. We’re going to have to move on, so to speak. It could be a little revenge, let’s say, it’s up to us to take it. In any case, France-Argentina, whether at the Olympic Games, in the U19s or in the A teams, it’s a big game and it’s a great match.”
“Argentina is special”
“Argentina is special, he added.
It’s not a final before time, it’s a quarter-final. It’s going to be a great quarter-final. We know and we know the players they have and the players they’ve added to this collective. We know very well that it’s a very good team and that they are announced as favorites. But we are a very good team and we will have to show that we are superior.
And the special nature of the encounter was not lost on Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez either. “It’s a very good thing. We know what France represents, plus they’re at home,” said the world champion. “But we have what it takes to beat them, as well as to reach the final. We have to beat anyone, so when it’s our turn, we’ll go all the way. We’re strong, we like this kind of match. With our desire, our enthusiasm and our quality, we’re going to have a good match.”
