So now we’ve had the controversy, it’s probably time to concentrate on the football.
Given what preceded it, the quarter-final between hosts France and Argentina was always going to be tense and, in many ways, the ugly scenes which occurred at the final whistle were hardly a major surprise.
But that’s done now and what it all means is that France, who last won Olympic football gold in 1984, will face Egypt in Monday’s semi-final after the Pharaohs beat Paraguay 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, Spain will face Morocco in the other last four tie.
On the eve of the Olympics 2024 tournament, the SBOTOP Olympic betting odds made France, Spain and Argentina as favourites with Morocco priced not far behind so, once again, they have proved highly accurate.
And now we’re down to the final four, anything can happen.
History could potentially be made too as Spain go in pursuit of a European Championships and Olympics double.
Just a few weeks after their stars put the seal on the summer spectacle in Germany, their youthful prospects are pursuing more success in France.
In the case of one young man, a possible double awaits.
Fermin Lopez scored twice as Spain defeated Japan 3-0 in Lyon in the last eight and the Barcelona midfielder, who was part of Spain’s victorious Euro 2024 squad, will be a key man for La Roja if they are to medal.
Lopez supports Abel Ruiz, who is expected to lead the line up front, with Sergio Gomez also in the team and highly-rated forward Samu Omorodion – who impressed on loan at Alaves last season – hoping to make an impact from the bench.
Of course, you write Morocco off at your peril.
Semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup little over 18 months ago, they dominated from start to finish at the Parc des Princes as they thrashed a much fancied United States side 4-0 to reach the last four of the Olympics for the very first time.
They have PSG right-back Achraf Hakimi in their ranks as one of their squad players over the age of 23 and his experience and know-how could be invaluable.
Morocco’s attack will be spearheaded by Soufiane Rahimi, who has scored five goals in four games to become the top scorer so far, while former Barcelona wingers Ilias Akhomach and Abde Ezzalzouli should line up either side of the Al-Ain striker.
What their place in the last four means is that Africa will have at least one medallist.
Egypt’s route to the semi-finals was nowhere near as simple, with the Pharaohs needing penalties to sneak past Paraguay, a contest in which they showed real character.
Having fallen behind to a Diego Gomez goal after 71 minutes, they also needed an 88th minute leveller from Ibrahim Adel to take the tie into extra-time.
With no further goals, Adel was the hero once again in the shootout, finding the bottom corner with the 10th and decisive penalty after Egypt goalkeeper Hamza Alaa had saved from Marcelo Perez.
This is also Egypt’s first football semi-final at the Olympics for 60 years and is a further illustration of the growing strength of African football on the global stage.
Whether they can upset the hosts, though, is another matter.
While I think the tie between Spain and Morocco could go either way, France are firm favourites to progress after overcoming the South Americans in Olympic football’s grudge match.
Under the management of the legendary Thierry Henry, Les Bleus have some real quality, including quarter-final matchwinner Michael Olise, recently of Crystal Palace until joining Bayern Munich, attacking spearhead Jean-Philippe Mateta and captain Alexandre Lacazette.
They also have a teenage goalkeeper Guillaume Restes who has helped a back four keep four straight clean sheets so far.
Their only main absentee will be Enzo Millot who has been suspended following a post-match red card against Argentina.
Egypt should be at full strength but probably lack the all-round quality of the home nation.
I’m going to go for a France-Morocco final.
That is slightly against the predicted odds but I think the desire to win may prove the difference in favour of the Atlas Lions.
History shows us that a number of renowned Moroccan athletes have gone down in Olympic history. Hicham El Guerrouj was a two-time gold medalist middle-distance runner, while Nawal El Moutawakel scooped the top prize the 400m hurdles from Los Angeles 1984.
If the country’s footballers can do the same, they will earn their place in Moroccan folklore.
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