Paris 2024 Olympic Games: anticipated and promising, the Bleuets launch their quest for gold against the United States in Marseille

Le Montpelliérain Chotard, Badé, Lukeba et les Bleuets sont très ambitieux avant leur entrée en lice. MAXPPP – ESCOFFIER FLORIAN

Thierry Henry and his men, whose offensive potential shows great promise, begin their Olympics with a match against the United States, this Wednesday, July 24 (9 p.m.), at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille.

A few days ago, Marseille was getting the hot sauce and, in the storm, you had to be a fortune teller to know that the Olympic Games were going to be partly held there. But we're betting that this Wednesday, the Phocaean city will be as we know it: exuberant and warm, just as it was offered to the eyes of the world on May 8 to welcome the flame. Tonight, it will be a question of lighting that of a French men's team whose entry into the competition at the Vélodrome, against the United States, is fueling a lot of hope.

“The enthusiasm is there, we are receiving messages. We can feel it, even in the South. We're going to enter the Vélodrome on the 24th and I think people are going to remind us what we have to do", coach Thierry Henry projected on Monday from the base camp near Aix-en-Provence.

"For us it's clear, it's the gold medal"

The Bleuets are far from Paris and the hustle and bustle of the Olympic village. But they're only thinking about going up to the capital to play the final on August 9 at the Parc des Princes. "For us it’s clear, it’s the gold medal", asserted Alexandre Lacazette on Monday, one of the three players over 23 called to strengthen the team.

The “general” of Olympique Lyonnais, Montpellier Joris Chotard and their partners must start their adventure well against the USA, faced in March in Sochaux (2-2), before crossing swords with Guinea and New Zealand , within group A.

The preparation, which began on June 17, and the three rather successful friendly matches (victories against Paraguay and the Dominican Republic, 4-1 and 7-0; draw against Japan, 1-1) confirmed the qualities of a forward-oriented team, with an attacking trio Mateta-Lacazette-Olise capable of doing damage. The potential of the replacements (Cherki, Kalimuendo, Doué, etc.) poses an additional threat. And can offer an inaugural fireworks display in the bustling Marseille enclosure.

The legacy of 1984, the bad trace of 2021

"Playing at home can galvanize you and put a certain amount of pressure on you, tempers Henry. I hope we can manage this and turn things around in the right direction."

At the time of its big debut, the French Olympic team cannot afford to puff out its chest. His last Olympic title dates back 40 years, during the Los Angeles Games in 1984. And his last appearance, in Tokyo in 2021, turned into a disaster and elimination in the pools (one victory, two defeats), despite the efforts of Téji Savanier or Arnaud Nordin.

"We're going to try to change that but it's not going to be easy. South Americans and Africans are generally difficult to beat", warns Henry, who went through all the trouble in the world putting together his group. The difficulties are not behind him, since defender Christian Matsima was recalled by his club Monaco on Tuesday. A stone on a road from Paris which begins in Marseille. With another flame to light.

The player to watch: without Mbappé, Michael Olise the expected thrill

Neither Mbappé, nor Griezmann, nor Giroud. À lack of stars, Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Charles Mateta and Loïc Badé are the three players over 23 who have come to strengthen the Bleuets. But the thrill could be called Michael Olise. With a decisive pass and three goals, including a sumptuous half-volley against the Dominican Republic (7-0), the winger or attacking midfielder sparkled. during preparation. His season with Crystal Palace (10 goals, 6 assists) was a success. in the eye of Bayern Munich who have spenté 60 M€ to secure his services. And freed him. for the Olympics, to the great pleasure of Henry and France. N&eac; à London, son of a Franco-Algerian and an Anglo-Nigerian father, Olise was spoiled for choice. Not yet &agrav; comfortable in the language of Molière, he could have changed his mind after his non-selection for the Euro by Didier Deschamps. "He wants to play for France, it must still be emphasized", was delighted Henry, who may be the star of tomorrow.

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