Yahoo Sports 2024 Olympics: France hold on in 3-2 thriller against Colombia
France faced Colombia in their opener, and it turned out to be a barn-burner.
France started their quest for Olympic gold against Colombia, and the match proved to be a nail-biter. Les Bleues ran off to a 3-0 lead before halftime and looked to have the match well in hand. However, Colombia roared back in the second half with two quick goals — making French fans hold their breath until the final whistle.
Starting XIs
France
Peyraud-Magnin (GK), Karchaoui, Nka, Renard, Lakrar, Toletti, Geyoro, Dali, Cascarino, Katoto, Diani.
Colombia
Tapia (GK), C. Arias, Carabali, D. Arias, Vanegas, Restrepo, Montoya, Santos, Ramirez, Usme, Caicedo.
First half
The first match of the Olympics began perfectly for the host nation. Just six minutes in, Marie-Antoinette Katoto pounced on a loose ball in the box. She closed in and deftly slid the ball past Katherine Tapia for the early lead.
Soon after, France doubled the lead. An attempted clear from Tapia fell right to the foot of Kenza Dali, and she put a rocket in the top of the net.
Just before the half, Katoto rose to head home a great cross, and the home side was cruising.
Second half
Colombia started off the second half pressing and were rewarded quickly. Not ten minutes into the half, Las Cafeteras earned a penalty, and Catalina Usme buried it. Another ten minutes later, Manuela Pavi brought her side within one of the hosts. After receiving a good through-ball, she fought off her defender and placed a perfect shot in the corner.
Colombia controlled play in the second half. The squad looked for the equalizer but then lost two of their best players in short order. Mayra Ramirez received a booking for a hard challenge on Selma Bacha in the 83rd minute. A VAR call came down quickly and upgraded the call to a red card. Just moments after that, young striker Linda Caicedo went down after a clean challenge and left the pitch in difficulty. She was able to return and play in extra time.
Down to ten players with one of their remaining attackers hobbled, Colombia could not find a way past the French line. The very entertaining match ended 3-2, with the hosts breathing a sigh of relief.
Next up
On the second match day of group play, France will face Canada while Colombia will go against New Zealand. Both matches will take place on Sunday — streaming on Discovery+ in the UK and Peacock in the US.
