France beats Argentina 1-0 to reach Olympics men’s soccer semifinals. Skirmish after final whistle

BORDEAUX, France (AP) — An early goal was enough for France to beat Argentina 1-0 and reach the men’s soccer semifinals at the Paris Olympics on Friday, in a match where fighting broke out between the players immediately after the final whistle. #FranceArgentinaSemifinals

Shoving occurred briefly before the players were separated. Some France players sprinted down the tunnel after the France Argentina semifinals. However, they soon returned and did a lap of honor.

Argentina’s players faced boos from the hostile crowd during the match. They celebrated early when Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in the fifth minute. France, coached by Thierry Henry, will face Egypt in the semifinals on Monday in Lyon.

Mateta celebrated with captain Alexandre Lacazette when they noticed the skirmish. Lacazette rushed back to help break it up. Henry and Javier Mascherano also intervened, with Mascherano blocking one of his staff members.

“I went to shake the opposing coach’s hand and all of a sudden I saw a lot of things happening,” Henry said. “I don’t like seeing this kind of thing. It wasn’t necessary.”

As France fans continued celebrating, stewards and a handful of riot police formed a ring around the pocket of Argentina fans inside the stadium.

A racism scandal had heightened pre-match tensions, following a video of Argentina players singing an offensive song about French players of African heritage as they celebrated their Copa America victory last month. #FranceArgentinaSemifinals

Henry was annoyed that Enzo Millot — who had been substituted — got a red card for his part in the fracas.