France v Argentina at Paris 2024: Preview
This may not be the senior national teams locking horns on the global stage, but a win means just as much for these young stars vying for a place in the last four of the competition.
France come into this one with maximum momentum. With three wins from three and a roaring home crowd to spur them on, their under-23s will feel unstoppable on their turf.
On the contrary, Argentina have won two of their three games so far, proving that they are beatable following their dramatic loss to Morocco on the first day of group matches.
They do, however, boast four World Cup winners in their squad who are proving to be key figures in their quest for a third Olympic gold.
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has been key in their qualification for the next round in particular, orchestrating their 3-1 victory over Iraq at a time when the South Americans desperately needed to bounce back.
Not only is it the clash of titans on the pitch, but off the pitch too. In either dugout, there sits a legend of the game.
There is personal motivation on the French bench, where Thierry Henry – one of the best forwards of his time – coaches this youthful side. The prolific striker was never able to compete at the Games as a player, so he wants to guide these young hopefuls to the podium on home soil as the manager.
Sitting parallel to the Frenchman in the Argentine dugout is Javier Mascherano. One of the best midfielders of his generation, the 40-year-old knows exactly what it takes to win gold at the Games.
A two-time Olympic champion at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, Mascherano can call on his own experiences to spur his side on against the odds.
This is set to be a simply unmissable watch.