France vs Egypt – 2024 Olympics – Preview, Team News and Updates

05 Aug 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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Some of the football being played at the 2024 Paris Olympics is spellbinding. However, the football action at the games is almost at an end, as only four teams remain in the tournament. Day 10 will see host nation France takes on Egypt, as both the nation look to book a berth at the 2024 Olympics Men’s Football finals.

France and Egypt are the only unbeaten teams of the tournament. Both teams have impressed fans with their consistency in this tournament. But going into the semis, many fans consider France as the odds-on favorites to advance into the finals. The Pharaohs will look to prove their doubters wrong. So, which team would come out on top in this intriguing semifinal match up?

France vs Egypt – Match Preview

France have been the most impressive team of the tournament. Under the leadership of Gunners and France legend Thierry Henry, Les Bleus have outclassed every opponent they’ve faced. They started their Olympic campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory against the USA. Les Bleus followed their opening game win with a hard-fought win against Guinea. France rounded off their group stage matches by breezing past New Zealand by a scoreline of 3-0.

Up to this point, the French national team had delivered on their immense pre-tournament hype. However, a mammoth Argentinian test awaited them in the quarterfinals. Les Bleus were looking to avenge their 2022 World Final loss. Buoyed by the raucous French support, France raced onto an early lead, as Jean-Philippe Mateta nodded one in. The game was tense and competitive, but Les Bleus came out on top because of Mateta’s solitary goal. Following the final whistle, proceedings turned ugly, as Frech players and backroom staff got into a heated altercation with their Argentinian counterparts.

However, that’s in the past now and Les Bleus must focus their attention on Egypt. The Pharaohs have a near perfect record at this year’s Olympics, winning three and drawing just one game against Dominican Republic. Therefore, no one should underestimate Egypt. The Egyptian’s dogged defence and counter attacking style of play created problems for Spain in the group stages. And if they can keep France at bay early on, counter attacking opportunities will definitely pop up for the Pharaohs.

France vs Egypt – Team News and Updates

Tonight’s semifinal clash against France will be Egypt’s first Olympics semifinal appearance in 60 years. No matter the result, the Pharaohs have had an historic Olympic campaign. But having come this far, they would undoubtedly want to qualify for their first finals at the Olympics. It certainly won’t be easy, as host nation and tournament favorites France stand in their way.

However, the Egyptians have shown resilience this summer, and that quality will surely come in handy against a stacked French squad. Egypt’s rearguard of Alaa, Fayed, Abdelmeguid, Eid and El-Debes will have to be at their best. Ahead of them, captain Mohamed Elneny will be entrusted progress the ball as well as shield the defence. The front three of Ibrahim Adel, Zizo and Faisal have looked dangerous, and Egyptian fans will be counting on them to inspire a surprise Egyptian victory.

France is definitely the odds-on favorite to advance to the finals. Arsenal and French legend Thierry Henry has excelled in leading this young and inexperienced French squad to the semifinals. Now, he faces the challenge of meeting expectations by guiding Les Bleus to the gold medal.

However, France will be without starting midfielder Enzo Millot for the semis. Millot received a red card following the Argentina game due to his involvement in a post-match scuffle with Nicolas Otamendi. Apart from Millot, Thierry Henry will have most of his key starters fit and ready for the semis.