Paris: France will face Spain in the men’s football final at Paris 2024, after they rallied to beat 10-man Egypt 3-1 after extra-time late on Monday.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had netted the winner in France’s 1-0 win over Argentina in the quarterfinal, scored a brace in the semifinal.
After a goalless first half, Egypt broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute through defender Saber Mahmoud who had a shot blocked, but collected the rebound and beat two defenders before firing home.
Mahmoud’s strike jolted France into action. Their relentless attack paid off in the 83rd minute when Mateta raced onto Michael Olise’s through-ball and drove it past the helpless Egypt goalkeeper Alaa Hamza.
With the score 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game moved into extra-time, and Egypt suffered a major blow when defender Fayed Omar was sent off for a second yellow card just two minutes into the first period.
With a man advantage, France went 2-1 up in the 99th minute through Mateta’s powerful header, before Olise wrapped up the win for the hosts in the 108th minute with a shot from the edge of the box.
France, who recorded 31 shots against Egypt’s 15, also hit the woodwork three times. IANS
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