France Overwhelms Argentina to Reach Olympic Sevens Semi-Finals

 

France Overwhelms Argentina to Reach Olympic Sevens Semi-Finals

Paris, France – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, France triumphed over Argentina to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Olympic men's rugby sevens, captivating a euphoric Parisian crowd at the Stade de France. The hosts clinched a 26-14 victory, driven by the exceptional performance of London-born wing Aaron Grandidier, who scored two scintillating tries.

The atmosphere in the 70,000-strong stadium was electric as Grandidier led the jubilant celebrations at full-time. French fans, already riled by recent tensions between the two nations' football teams, channeled their passion into fervent support for Les Bleus.

The animosity between France and Argentina has simmered since the 2022 World Cup, where Argentina's exuberant celebrations and a controversial racist chant directed at the French team left a bitter taste. This bad blood spilled over into the rugby sevens, with the French crowd booing Los Pumas as they took the field.

Despite the hostile reception, the Argentine team faced a formidable French side fueled by the intense atmosphere. "I know we've only just won a quarter-final but the emotions we're living in this stadium we have never experienced," Grandidier told BBC Sport. "It is really moving. Having 69,000 people for a game of sevens has never been seen in history."

From the outset, the match was ferocious, with the French players matching the crowd's intensity. Grandidier's two tries set the tone, and the team’s cohesive play kept Argentina at bay. The victory not only secured a semi-final spot for France but also marked a historic moment for rugby sevens, with the Stade de France witnessing unprecedented attendance and excitement.

As France advances to the semi-finals, the support of their passionate fans will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role. The team now looks ahead, aiming to carry their momentum and fervor into the next stage of the Olympic competition.

Score Summary:

• France: 26 (Grandidier 2 tries)
• Argentina: 14

With the semi-finals looming, France's journey in the Olympic men's rugby sevens continues to capture the hearts of their nation, uniting fans in their quest for glory.