New Delhi: Spain clinched a spot in the men’s football final at the Paris Olympics 2024 after a thrilling 2-1 win against Morocco on Monday. This game wasn’t just about advancing; it was about avenging their World Cup loss to Morocco two years ago. Morocco reached their first Olympic semifinal with a decisive 4-0 victory over the United States. They were formidable opponents, led by captain Achraf Hakimi and top scorer Soufiane Rahimi. The game between Spain and Morocco at the Paris Olympics 2024 promised excitement and was certainly delivered.
Morocco began the match strongly, putting Spain under pressure. Despite some good moments from Fermin Lopez, Spain fell behind in the first half. Pablo Barrios committed a high tackle on Amir Richardson in the box. Rahimi converted the penalty with a shot down the middle in the 37th minute.
Spain was determined to make a comeback. They dominated the second half, with Fermin Lopez playing a crucial role. In the 65th minute, he equalised with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom-right corner. Morocco almost regained the lead shortly after, but Richardson’s shot narrowly missed the target. Both teams fought hard for the winning goal.
MARSEILLE, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: Juanlu Sanchez #20 of Team Spain celebrates with teammate victory after the Men’s semifinal match between Morocco and Spain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Stade de Marseille on August 05, 2024 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute. Substitute Juanlu Sanchez, assisted by Fermin Lopez, scored with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box into the bottom-left corner. This goal secured Spain’s comeback and their place in the final at the Paris Olympics 2024. In the final moments, Morocco’s Abde Ezzalzouli and Richardson tried to score but missed their shots. Spain held onto their lead.
Fermin Lopez was the standout player for Spain. Even during the team’s struggles in the first half, his effort and skill were evident. At just 21 years and 86 days old, Fermin became the youngest player to both score and assist in an Olympic knockout match since Neymar in 2012 against Honduras.
Fermín López for Spain so far at the Olympics:
▫️ 4 goals in 5 matches
▫️ Goal and an assist vs. Morocco to help send Spain to the gold medal match
What a special player ✨ pic.twitter.com/W4HZ0Tspeu
— José Mukeba (@jose_mukeba6) August 5, 2024
Spain’s coach, Santiago Sanchez, hopes Fermin can maintain this form in the final on Friday. Spain is aiming for Olympic gold. Their journey through the tournament has been impressive. This victory over Morocco, filled with drama and emotion, sets the stage for an exciting conclusion to their Olympic campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024.
The defeat is tough to take for the Moroccans, but their performance throughout the tournament has been commendable. They have shown they can compete with the best and will undoubtedly return stronger. As the final approaches, Spain is full of confidence and ready to face their next challenge, aiming to bring home the gold at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Juanlo Sanchez and Fermin Lopez’s goals help Spain beat Morocco 2-1 in the semi-final of the Paris Olympics 2024 men’s football tournament. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
