France secured a thrilling quarter-final match against Argentina in the men’s Olympic football tournament by defeating New Zealand 3-0 in their last group game on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Argentina had already clinched their spot in the last eight, and France followed suit with goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Desire Doue, and Arnaud Kalimuendo against New Zealand in Marseille.
With three victories and no goals conceded, France topped Group A, while the United States advanced as runners-up after a 3-0 win over Guinea, with Kevin Paredes scoring twice.
Thierry Henry’s French team will face Argentina in Bordeaux on Friday. The South Americans, who have won gold twice, secured second place in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in Lyon.
It will be the first time the nations meet since Argentine players were caught on video singing racist chants about French players while celebrating their Copa America victory earlier this month.
