Argentina is set to face a hostile environment when they face hosts France in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic soccer tournament. This hostile atmosphere stems from a video that emerged showing Argentina players singing an offensive song about French players with African heritage. The same discriminatory chants were heard by some Argentinian fans prior to Lionel Messi’s Argentina team beating France in the 2022 World Cup final. This negative sentiment has spilled over into the Olympic stage, as seen when Argentina’s men’s rugby sevens players were heavily booed by a Stade de France crowd during a quarterfinal match.
Argentina goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli acknowledges the climate of hostility that the team is likely to face but remains focused on the game. He mentions how the French public has displayed their discontent by even whistling during Argentina’s anthem, as was witnessed during the team’s previous encounters. Despite the expected animosity, Rulli sees the match as an opportunity to showcase Argentina’s footballing abilities and resilience despite external distractions.
The fallout from the offensive video has led to a formal complaint from the French soccer federation to the world governing body. The incident reached political levels, with Argentine President Javier Milei and French President Emmanuel Macron meeting in Paris to address the controversy. However, the focus remains on the football side, with France’s Olympic soccer coach Thierry Henry choosing to steer clear of the topic during his pre-match news conference.
Argentina has faced numerous obstacles leading up to the quarterfinals, including a chaotic opening game against Morocco marred by a pitch invasion and off-field theft at their training base. Despite these challenges, Argentina’s coach Javier Mascherano emphasizes the importance of focusing on the game against a formidable France team that has showcased impressive form in the tournament so far. Mascherano stresses the need for his team to control what they can, which is their performance on the field.
France may be considered the favorite in the matchup, but coach Henry remains cautious of Argentina’s capabilities. He highlights the unpredictable nature of tournaments and the need for teams to stay focused to avoid elimination. With both youth and experience in their squad, Argentina poses a significant threat to France’s ambitions in the competition.
The winner of the quarterfinal between Argentina and France will face either Egypt or Paraguay in the semifinals. The Olympic gold medal match is scheduled for August 9 in Paris, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the teams, the focus remains on the footballing spectacle and the pursuit of Olympic glory.
Napsat komentář