France beats Egypt 3-1 and will face Spain in the men’s soccer final at Paris Olympics

By JAMES ROBSON

LYON, France (AP) — Thierry Henry stood with his arms outstretched, facing the jubilant crowd and soaking up the atmosphere.

The final of the men’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics was in sight after France had been pushed to the limit by Egypt in Monday’s semifinal at Stade de Lyon.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, meanwhile, was being mobbed by his teammates after scoring his second goal in a 3-1 win that sets up a final against Spain at Parc des Princes on Friday.

“It was like, I don’t know how to say — it was incredible,” Mateta said.

France vs. Spain means there will be a European gold medalist at the Olympics for the first time in 32 years.

The host nation’s place in the final looked in serious doubt as Egypt was closing in on an upset after leading through Mahmoud Saber’s 62nd-minute goal.

France had hit