As the Paris 2024 Olympics continue, one of the most anticipated football clashes is between France and Argentina.
This article provides a detailed prediction, team news, form analysis, and more.
Match Preview
In a repeat of the recent men's World Cup final, France and Argentina face off at the Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux.
The winner will advance to a semi-final showdown against either Egypt or Paraguay.
France's Road to the Quarter-Finals
France has been dominant in the group stage, winning all three of their matches while scoring seven goals and keeping three clean sheets.
Under the guidance of coach Thierry Henry, France began their campaign with a 3-0 win over the United States, followed by victories against Guinea and New Zealand.
This marks their first Olympic men's quarter-final since the 1996 Atlanta Games. However, history shows that France has struggled in quarter-finals, having lost five of their last six matches at this stage.
Argentina's Path to the Knockout Rounds
Argentina's journey has been more turbulent. After a surprising loss to Morocco in their opening match, Argentina bounced back with wins over Iraq and Ukraine.
Thiago Almada has been a standout player, scoring crucial goals. This quarter-final appearance is Argentina's first since their gold medal win in 2008.
Historically, Argentina has a strong record in quarter-finals, with only one loss in five appearances.
Team News
France
France coach Thierry Henry is expected to make several changes for this crucial match.
Key players like Alexandre Lacazette, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta are set to return to the starting lineup.
In defence, Loic Bade, Adrien Truffert, and Guillaume Restes will bring fresh legs, while the fitness of Enzo Millot remains uncertain.
Argentina
Javier Mascherano is likely to field a similar team to the one that defeated Ukraine. Lucas Beltran is expected to start alongside Julian Alvarez, with Thiago Almada and Giuliano Simeone providing support from the wings.
Prediction
While both teams boast strong lineups, France's ability to rest key players in their final group match could give them a crucial edge in terms of freshness and energy.
Despite Argentina's resilience, France's overall form and home advantage make them the favourites.
France 
Argentina 
