Setting the Stage: Liverpool’s 2025/26 Season Context Before dissecting the match itself, it is essential to understand the backdrop. Liverpool entered the season as reigning Premier League champions, a title they captured under the stewardship of Arne Slot, whose tactical acuity and team-building had won widespread acclaim. However, the 2025/26 season swiftly turned challenging as the Reds’ form nosedived dramatically. Consistent losses to mid-table and lower-ranked teams, including a thrashing by Crystal Palace, raised alarm bells. Financially, Liverpool had invested massively — over £450 million on new signings — aiming to compensate for the aging core and ensure competitiveness. Yet, these investments have not translated into on-field success, revealing deeper systemic issues related to player integration, tactical coherence, and perhaps leadership within the squad. The clash with Manchester City, Pep Guardiola’s side celebrating his 1000th game, crystallized these concerns in a ha...
On Monday night, France hosted two Olympic semi-finals.
This is what occurred.
France advances to the final following a fierce clash with Egypt.
In a tense contest, France rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat Egypt 2-1 in extra time.
After a poor start, France improved just before the interval, with Loïc Badé hitting the post after Joris Chotard's pass.
Alexandre Lacazette had a golden opportunity to score in the second half, but he hesitated and ultimately missed the shot.
After absorbing all of France's pressure, Egypt proceeded to the other end, where Mahmoud Saber smashed a powerful attempt into the roof of the net.
The goal ignited the game, and Hamza Alaa made a wonderful save on a Jean-Philippe Mateta header.
France then hit the post twice in quick succession, with Lacazette's shot and Badé's follow-up hitting the woodwork.
Les Bleus equalised thanks to a brilliantly weighted ball from Michael Olise, which Mateta converted decisively.
France requested for a penalty for handball, and after a lengthy VAR review, it was determined that no penalty would be issued.
Omar Fayed received a yellow card for his complaints before the referee checked the VAR screen, and he received another yellow card for a foul in extra time, leaving Egypt with 10 men.
France then hit the post twice in quick succession, with Lacazette's shot and Badé's follow-up hitting the woodwork.
Les Bleus equalised thanks to a brilliantly weighted ball from Michael Olise, which Mateta converted decisively.
France requested for a penalty for handball, and after a lengthy VAR review, it was determined that no penalty would be issued.
Omar Fayed received a yellow card for his complaints before the referee checked the VAR screen, and he received another yellow card for a foul in extra time, leaving Egypt with 10 men.
With a man down, it was certain that France would win, and Mateta scored again with a spectacular header to put the home side ahead.
The closing stages grew hot, with powerful challenges coming in from Egypt, but there was nothing they could do to prevent Olise from scoring the third and advancing France to the final.
Olise came near again in the final minute of extra time, capping off an easy victory for Les Bleus.
The closing stages grew hot, with powerful challenges coming in from Egypt, but there was nothing they could do to prevent Olise from scoring the third and advancing France to the final.
Olise came near again in the final minute of extra time, capping off an easy victory for Les Bleus.
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