The second of the two semifinals for the Olympic Games takes place on Monday night, with France and Egypt facing off in what should be a very exciting match-up. Thierry Henry’s France are favorites to secure the win in Lyon. The Pharaohs, led by Mohamed Elneny eliminated Paraguay on penalties in the quarter-finals, after winning the group ahead of Spain, Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic.Henry’s strange Turin episode and how bumping into Wenger saved himOn the other hand, Les Bleus topped their group with all three wins against the USA, New Zealand and Guinea. Then they faced Argentina in a tense quarter-final, and managed to beat them 1-0.The secret behind Henry’s success so far with the national side is a rock-solid defence, which still hasn’t conceded a single goal. France’s attacking line looks quite intimidating, too, with veteran Alexandre Lacazette, Jean-Philippe Mateta and new Bayern Munich signing Michael Olise. Europe vs North Africa part 1 – two rising forces of world football colidingThe mix of experience and youth, along with that old Crystal Palace’s connection – Mateta and Olise – should be the link powerful enough to secure the hosts’ place in the showdown.Egypt will have to overcome not just the opponents, but also the sold-out home crowd, that will push their compatriots to a potential Friday’s showdown.OLYMPIC GAMES – FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTSemi-finalsMonday19:00: (3.15) Morocco (3.35) Spain (2.30)22:00: (1.37) France (4.80) Egypt (9.00)***odds are subject to change***
