Coach Thierry Henry commended his team's perseverance as France advanced to the Olympic men's football final for the first time in 40 years, defeating Egypt 3-1 in extra time at the Lyon stadium on Monday. France rallied after conceding their first goal of the tournament when Mahmoud Saber gave Egypt a surprising lead, only for Jean-Philippe Mateta to equalize with a late goal. Mateta scored twice more, and Michael Olise added a goal in extra time, securing Henry's team's victory and setting up a quest for their second Olympic title in Friday's final against Spain at Parc des Princes, who earlier defeated Morocco 2-1.
"What a night! All credit goes to the players. Egypt played really well today, but we kept pushing for the win, and the fans helped us forward," coach Henry stated. "We've now guaranteed a medal, but we have one more step to take to win our first football gold medal in 40 years. Spain is next in the final, and it's going to be a major match."
Egypt, who were in their third Olympic semifinal, had more shots on goal in the first half before Saber scored in the 62nd minute, capitalizing on a rebound for a second attempt. France, who hit the woodwork three times during the match, equalized when Mateta scored seven minutes from time, assisted by Olise through Egypt's defense. Egypt was reduced to 10 men early in extra time when Omar Fayed received a second yellow card for a foul on Desire Doue, and they suffered further when Mateta scored again to put France ahead with a powerful header in the 99th minute.
"This was the night of my dreams," Mateta said. "But I need one more night to continue dreaming. This is for the fans, who kept cheering even after we fell behind." Olise also scored three minutes into the second half of extra time to secure the win and send Egypt to the bronze-medal match against Morocco in Nantes on Thursday.
