“At first improbable, then palpable, and finally exhilarating, the week of the Argentine Olympic football team in Brittany will have met the hopes and expectations of Breton football fans, and even beyond.”
THE STORY IS BEAUTIFUL
The Paris 2024 Olympics have seen their share of surprises even before the event began. 267 kilometres as the crow flies from the French capital, on the outskirts of Brittany, in the shadow of the largest medieval fortress in Europe, the Argentine Olympic football team played its first preparation match for the Olympic Games in Fougères. And it wasn’t one, but two games that the U23 team led by Javier Mascherano played in the West of France.
When the news broke, many thought it was a hoax. Then, once the shock had passed, the wildest predictions began to fly. Which players over the age of 23 will strengthen the Argentine Olympic team? Leo Messi? Ángel Di María? Dibu Martínez? In the end, none of the three. But regardless of the composition of the selection, the most important thing for Breton football fans is elsewhere, it’s to welcome one of the greatest football nations on the planet to their region.
As the long-awaited day approaches, bang! FC Rouen 1899, a National club (French 3rd division), cancels its participation due to major cash flow problems. No good story without twists and turns, you might say.
The days go by one by one and this adventure increasingly looks like a dead end. Potential opponents refuse in turn and the Argentinian Olympic selection is left high and dry. And, when everything seemed doomed, the PetrusFlo association entered the dance two days before the big day. Can you believe it? An association from the Paris region helping players without a club against reigning world champions and players from Boca Juniors and River Plate. The story is beautiful.
IT MAY HAVE FELT LIKE THE ARGENTINES WERE PLAYING AT HOME
On July 15, at the Jean Manfredi stadium in Fougères, the volunteers of the local club redoubled their efforts to ensure that this memorable day was a real success.
While the intoxicating smell of grilled sausages caressed the nostrils of the many spectators who had come to support Argentina or simply for the love of football, the two teams began their warm-up under a blazing sun.
Winner of the Copa América the previous evening against Colombia at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, no Albiceleste player had yet joined the Olympic selection. But the absences of Julián Álvarez, Nicolás Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli weren’t going to dampen the enthusiasm of the lucky ticket holders.
A few minutes before kick-off, a quick glance allowed one to observe the many sky blue and white jerseys bearing the names of Messi and Maradona as well as the flags bearing the name of Sol de Mayo. 10,840 kilometres from Buenos Aires. For some, it may have felt like the Argentines were playing at home.
From a purely sporting point of view, the match of two thirty-minute halves is a formality for Argentina. Even if the players of the PetrusFlo association gave their best, the gap between the two teams is obviously too great. 5 to 0 on the scoreboard.
AT FIRST IMPROBABLE, THEN PALPABLE, AND FINALLY EXHILARATING
Four days later, thirty kilometres from Fougères, the municipal stadium of Vitré welcomes in turn the Argentinian Olympic selection. And this time, no twist will disrupt the Breton tour of the South Americans.
Javier Mascherano and his players nevertheless approach their second friendly game with more vigilance.
Without offending the PetrusFlo association, the Guinea Olympic selection led by Naby Keita is also preparing for the Olympic tournament and doesn’t intend to be impressed by the arrival of three recent Copa America winners.
Julián Álvarez, Nicolás Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli nevertheless attract all the attention of the public. Who could have imagined a few weeks ago that the city of Vitré would welcome players of such standing?
As expected, the Syli national led its match with application. The Guineans left little space for the Argentinians and the latter seemed awkward. An apathy that almost inexorably led to the opening of the score by the central defender of AS Kaloum Star, Mohamed Soumah.
The minutes ticked by and it wasn’t the rather late entry into play of Julián Álvarez that would change the score. Defeat 1 to 0 for Argentina.
In the euphoria, the Guinean fans invaded the field as soon as the final whistle sounded. The Argentinian players rushed into the tunnel at the last minute, while the Syli national was assailed by Guinean supporters thirsty for selfies and who had come to share their joy as close as possible to their heroes.
At first improbable, then palpable, and finally exhilarating, the week of the Argentine Olympic football team in Brittany will have met the hopes and expectations of Breton football fans, and even beyond.
ALL WORDS AND IMAGES BY THE BRILLIANT GUIREC MUNIER