Crystal Palace striker Mateta scores only goal in Argentina grudge match as France book Olympic semi-final spot

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the only goal of the game as France beat Argentina 1-0 and booked their place in the semi-final of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Crystal Palace forward met a corner from ex-Eagles attacker Michael Olise in the fifth minute to head past Geronimo Rulli and give France the lead at the Stade de Bordeaux.

Mateta, 27, captained and scored in the final group-stage game against New Zealand. 

Olise doubled France’s lead against Javier Mascherano’s side with less than 10 minutes to go, turning in the box and firing home with the aid of a deflection, but the Bayern Munich star had his effort ruled out by VAR.

France held on and Thierry Henry’s side will now play Eygpt in the semi-finals.

Morocco meet Spain in the other semi.

Friday’s clash was the first time the two countries had played against each other since Argentina players were recorded singing a derogatory song about France’s black players after winning the Copa America in mid-July.

“Argentina wanted to kill the party, but they made the party even better,” Mateta said after the game.