All Soccer News and Updates for Topic: France

Two of Europe’s heavyweight footballing nations clash once again, but this time an Olympic gold medal is up for grabs as hosts France meet Euro 2024 winners Spain with both looking to add another chapter to their illustrious histories. Thierry Henry’s French side negotiated a tricky match-up with Egypt at the semi-final stage, eventually running out 3-1 victors after extra time, to reach the final of this competition for the first time since winning it back in 1984 in Los Angeles.

France secured their spot in the 2024 Olympic men's football semi-final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Argentina in a tense quarter-final. Jean-Philippe Mateta's early goal proved decisive, propelling the hosts to their first semi-final appearance since their gold medal win in 1984. However, the match was marred by post-game clashes, resulting in Enzo Millot's suspension.

France, as the host nation, has made an impressive start to their Olympic campaign, securing top spot in Group A with a perfect record. Their 3-0 victory over New Zealand in the final group match highlighted their dominance, as they aim to become the third host nation to win gold since 1992.

New Zealand's Olympic campaign has taken a dramatic turn. After a promising 2-1 victory over Guinea, they suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat against the USA, exposing their vulnerabilities against higher-quality opposition. This setback has put their qualification hopes in jeopardy as they prepare to face hosts France in their final group match.

France, one of the pre-tournament favorites, boosted their confidence in ending a 40-year Olympic men's football gold medal drought after routing the USA 3-0 on matchday one. Les Bleus have reached at least the quarter-finals in their two previous home Games, a feat they're likely to replicate with a win against Guinea.

Host nation France enters the Olympic games with high spirits, having secured impressive friendly victories over Paraguay and Dominican Republic with an aggregate score of 11-1. This extended their unbeaten run to five matches (W3, D2), providing a solid foundation for iconic coach Thierry Henry to build upon.

Spain secured a significant victory against hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals, advancing to the semi-finals. The match was a thrilling contest that ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Mikel Merino scoring a dramatic 119th-minute winner. This victory extended Spain's impressive seven-game winning streak.

The most recent encounter between Portugal and France at the UEFA European Championships ended in a 2-2 draw, with three of the goals coming from penalties. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored both spot-kicks for Portugal in that match, recently missed a penalty against Slovenia in extra time but redeemed himself in the shootout, helping Portugal advance to the quarter-finals.

France and Belgium are set to clash in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match at Euro 2024. The game will take place at Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Monday, with a quarter-final spot at stake. This fixture marks the 76th encounter between these neighboring nations, with France holding the upper hand in recent meetings.

France enters the final matchday of Group D in a favorable position, needing only a draw to secure a top-two finish. However, they'll be aiming for a win to potentially top the group, which could offer an easier path in the knockout stages. Their recent goalless draw against the Netherlands has left the group wide open.

The Netherlands opened their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign with a 2-1 win over Poland, but they had to do it the hard way, coming from behind as substitute Wout Weghorst clinched victory late on with his first touch of the ball. The match will have given manager Ronald Koeman plenty to think about, although the Oranje have won each of their last four Euro finals group games and seven of their last eight internationals in all (L1).

Austria should approach Euro 2024 with confidence, as they are unbeaten in seven matches (6 wins, 1 draw), suggesting they could have what it takes to better their run to the last 16 three summers ago. Revitalized under manager Ralf Rangnick, they open their Euro campaign against France, who they last met in the UEFA Nations League in 2022, losing 2-0 in what was only Rangnick's fifth game in charge.