SAINT-DENIS – Thierry Henry’s France side are firm favourites to progress following a kind draw for men’s football at the 2024 Olympic Games, as the hosts wait to see if Kylian Mbappe will be made available.
“Nothing is easy,” the former Les Bleus star said after the groups were made known on March 20 but his side, already among the favourites for the gold medal on home turf, avoided potential pitfalls in not drawing Morocco and Egypt.
France are in Group A of the 16-team event with New Zealand, the United States and the winners of the AFC-CAF play-offs, as they seek to win a second Olympic gold after success in 1984.
“It’s never easy to win a home tournament, I think Brazil and Spain did it (in 2016 and 1992) but it doesn’t happen often. We will try to make it happen, but it’ll be a long journey,” added former Arsenal great Henry.
It is understood that 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, is also very keen to play but he would likely have little time to rest after Euro 2024.
Football’s world governing body Fifa does not oblige clubs to release players for the Olympics, which could complicate Mbappe’s situation even more.
The forward’s chances of featuring in the hosts’ squad as one of their three over-23 players seem to be slim, while fellow 2018 World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann, 33, may still feature despite his recent ankle injury.
But, with under-23 talents like Eduardo Camavinga, Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery also potentially at his disposal, Henry can well expect to top the group regardless.
Such an outcome could well be key in order to avoid Argentina, who were drawn in Group B alongside Morocco, Ukraine and the third qualifiers from Asia.
Coach Javier Mascherano has a trump card he may now play as Argentina seek a third gold for themselves after victories in 2004 and 2008.
Global superstar Lionel Messi, 36, won gold in 2008 and, after winning the World Cup in 2022, he may feature for Argentina in a bid to win a last international tournament.
“Everyone knows my relationship with Leo and the doors are open for him to join us. It’s up to him,” Mascherano said.
Spain, the silver medallists in Tokyo behind Brazil, will feature in Group C against Egypt, Dominican Republic and the second qualifiers from the AFC. The Brazilians were knocked out by Argentina in qualifying in February.
Group D will comprise Paraguay, Israel, Mali and the first qualifiers from the AFC.
The men’s tournament will begin on July 24, two days before the Games’ opening ceremony. AFP
