The last match in Group A between France and Algeria on June 30 was decisive for both teams: defeat was forbidden. The meeting kept all its promises.
The French dominated the match very early thanks to a weaknessAmin Msosa (VIII, XXVIII), but the Algerians stuck. They first reduced the score with a penalty kick by Ivan Shigra (56) and Mohammed Saeed bin Mazouz He gave hope to an entire country with a free kick ten minutes before the time (78).
But the electric atmosphere of about 40,000 spectators in Ahmed Zabana Stadium soon calmed down. In fact, Lionel Ruxel’s boys got a penalty two minutes later, converted by Badreddine Bounani (3-2, 81).
Thanks to this victory, France finished first in the group with seven points.
The disappointment was certainly great on the part of Algerian coach Mourad Slatni, but he expressed his pride at the end of the match over the APS microphone. “We played against a great French team. We have nothing to be ashamed of this defeat. The players put in a lot of effort, and they should be congratulated.”
Satisfied with the French people, a goal achieved for Morocco
On the part of Lionel Ruxel, relief was palpable.
It was an exceptional match, in which the two teams competed with five goals. It is a victory that allows us to continue our adventure in a wonderful land, a city that has given birth to many footballers. We are very happy to represent France in a crowded stadium for the U-18 team. The intensity and the game and the twists were there tonight. »
Meanwhile, Morocco and Spain tied 1-1. La Furia Roja opened registration in a quarter of an hour Daniel Rodriguez Munoz (fourteenth) But Yassin Al-Khelaifi Draw quickly (23). Then the Cubs managed to maintain this result to occupy the second place in the group with four points.
They qualified for the round of four and achieved the stated goal before the match by coach Mohamed Wehbe.
In the semi-finals on Saturday 2 July, France will face Turkey at 5:00 pm local time while Morocco will face Italy at 8:00 pm local time. Italy finished first in its group with seven points, after two wins (against Portugal and Greece) and a draw (against Turkey).
The Turks finished second with four points, with a victory over Greece, a loss for Portugal and a draw against Italy.
Lionel Roxel is confident, but he knows the game won’t be easy. “Now we have to recover well in the semi-finals, we believe in our chances, we definitely have to win so we can play the final on the Olympic stadium. The players want to do something together.”
To meet the Italian challenge, Moroccans can count on the mechanism of players who play together at the Mohammed VI Academy. Half of the selected players are currently training there. This group will also be able to count on the qualitiesAyman Maurer who has already been called up to Ligue 1 multiple times this season with Clermont.
Mediterranean Games 2022 Football Championship Semi-Final Program
Saturday 2 July 2022
- 5:00 pm (local time): France – Turkey at Stade de Sig
- 8:00 pm (local time): Italy-Morocco at Sig Stadium
Where and on what channel can I watch matches?
The football semi-finals of the 2022 Mediterranean Games will be broadcast on ENTV And the Bean Sports MENA. In France, you can find the best everyday moments on the France TV website.
