Jean-Philippe Mateta sent hosts France into the Olympic semi-finals with a fifth-minute goal that eliminated Argentina.
Thierry Henry’s side started with a flurry and then controlled proceedings limiting the Argentine forward’s lively line to few chances.
France thought they had leveled with six minutes remaining, Michael Olise scoring after assisting the opener.
Man of the match – Michael Olise (France)
The Bayern Munich midfielder proved the difference as he assisted former Crystal Palace teammate Mateta’s only goal of the game.
The 22-year-old was cruelly denied an own goal with six minutes remaining after VAR ruled out his effort for a foul earlier in the move.
Olise was a threat that worried Argentina’s defense from the first minute to the end.
Player ratings
France: Restes 8, Sildilia 7, Bade 8, Lukeba 8, Truffert 7, Millot 7, Kone 7, Chotard 7, Olise 8, Mateta 8, Lacazette 8
Substitutes: Akliouche 7, Kalimuendo 7, Loko 6, Magassa 6
Argentina: Rouley 8, Garcia 6, Di Cesare 6, Otamendi 7, Amione 6, Zenon 7, Medina 7, Fernandes 7, Almada 6, Simeone 7, Alvarez 6
Substitutes: Beltran 6, Echeverri 7, Gondo 6, Lujan 6, Soler 6
Highlights of the match
5′ – GOAL! FRANCE 1 (MATETA) ARGENTINA 0
Olise sends a corner into the box, and Mateta ran at Otamendi at the front post and headed hard.
It’s a really strong effort from the Crystal Palace man who didn’t give the keeper any chance.
23 – ZENON IS ON GOAL
It’s a rare chance for Argentina after a long ball over the top was perfect for Zeno’s run. However, the striker dragged his effort harmlessly wide of Restes’ goal.
29 – REMAINS FORCED TO FLIGHT SAVE
Fernandez receives the ball almost directly in front of the goal, but outside the penalty area. The Argentinian turns his body and then has a hard drive that forces Restes to make a money save.
36 – SIMEONE MISSES THE SEAT
Despite losing his footing in the box, Metina brilliantly put the ball over Simeone’s head.
However, the Atletico Madrid player somehow sends a header when the goal was at his disposal.
66 – A GOLDEN CHANCE FOR ALVAREZ
France fell asleep at the back and a nice ball to the feet of Alvarez allows the Man City man to go through on goal.
However, he chases it down with his angled finish that flies wide.
68 – MATTHEW WITH THE HEAD
Almost an exact replica of the first goal, when Olise’s corner was met by Matet at the front post. However, this time the striker’s header flies over the crossbar.
84 – VAR KNOCKS OUT THE GOAL
A fine tackle against the French goal leads to the ball going in for Akliouche and then Olisse whose deflected effort flies into the net.
However, VAR is looking at a foul by Akliouche who sent the ball past an Argentine defender in the box.
Argentina had no complaints at the time. It’s an incredible decision and Akliouche is booked.
90+9 – GONDOU HAS A GLORIOUS CHANCE
The ball falls into the box for substitute Gondou who has to test the goalkeeper. However, his effort was tipped over the bar.