New Delhi: Spain and France faced off in the Paris Olympics football final, with gold on the line. The match, held at Stade de Lyon, was a thrilling contest that ended with Spain winning 5-3 after extra time. France took an early lead, but Spain quickly fought back with goals from Fermin Lopez and Álex Baena. Despite a strong effort from France, including a late penalty by Jean-Philippe Mateta, Spain pulled ahead in extra time. Sergio Camello scored twice to secure the win for Spain, adding Olympic gold to their impressive trophy haul and capping off an incredible year.
Thierry Henry’s French side struck first in the 1st minute. Enzo Millot seized on a defensive mistake and fired a shot from the right side of the area. Spain’s goalkeeper, Arnau Tenas, misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing it to slip into the bottom-left corner. The early goal stunned Spain and set a high tempo for the match.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 9: Sergio Camello of Spain celebrates his goal during the Men’s Gold Medal match between France and Spain during the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Parc des Princes on August 9, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Spain responded quickly and assertively. In the 18th minute, Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez levelled the score with a calm finish into the bottom-left corner, following a precise pass from Álex Baena. The equaliser injected new energy into the Spanish side, who soon began to dominate.
Spain’s control was further solidified with two more goals before halftime. In the 25th minute, Lopez scored again, tapping in a rebound after Guillaume Restes had parried a shot from Abel Ruiz. Spain then extended their lead in the 28th minute with a spectacular free-kick from Álex Baena. His effort curled over the wall and into the top-left corner, leaving Restes with no chance and giving Spain a 3-1 advantage.
France’s defence, rattled by the swift turnaround, struggled to contain Spain’s attacking flair. In the second half, France looked to rally. In the 79th minute, Maghnes Akliouche brought France back into the game with a header from Michael Olise’s free-kick, reducing Spain’s lead to 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.
As the match approached its end, the drama intensified. In stoppage time, Benat Turrientes fouled Arnaud Kalimuendo in the box, giving France a penalty. Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up in the 93rd minute and converted the spot-kick, tying the game 3-3 and forcing it into extra time.
🚨🇪🇸 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Spain have WON #Olympics football! 🥇
Crazy 5-3 win vs France… gold medals have been secured. 👏 pic.twitter.com/DoyMgoR17c
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) August 9, 2024
The additional 30 minutes were a test of stamina and composure. It was Spain who proved to be the stronger side. In the 100th minute, substitute Sergio Camello scored a crucial goal with a delicate chip over Restes, following a pass from Adrián Bernabé. This goal put Spain ahead 4-3 and set them on the path to victory.
Camello sealed the win in the 120th minute. As France pushed forward desperately, Tenas launched a long throw into the box. Camello, showing great positioning, controlled the ball and finished past Restes, securing a 5-3 victory for Spain.
Spain’s triumph added Olympic gold to their impressive list of achievements, rounding off a remarkable year for the national team. For France, despite a valiant effort and a dramatic performance, the gold medal eluded them, leaving them with silver in a match that was full of excitement and high drama.
Spain’s triumph added Olympic gold to their impressive list of achievements, rounding off a remarkable year for the national team. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
