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Olympic Men’s Football: Spain Defeats France In Classic Final To Win Olympic Gold
Spain emerged victorious in the Olympic football final against France, clinching their second gold medal with a stunning 5-3 victory after extra time.
The win adds to Spain’s illustrious sporting history, marking their second gold, with their first being secured during the 1992 Barcelona Games.
A Nervy Start
From the first whistle, the intensity was noticeable.
France started with a sense of urgency, commanding the pitch and looking to establish early dominance. It took just minutes for the home fans to erupt in celebration.
A messy goal from Enzo Millot, originating from a scuffed clearance by Spanish goalkeeper, Arnau Tenas, put France ahead and sent the crowd into celebration. It was an early stroke of good fortune that gave the French hope.
However, Spain responded with confidence characteristic of their style. Within six minutes, they found their rhythm, equalizing with a beautifully orchestrated goal. Fermín López, with his deft touch, side-footed the ball into the bottom corner after a period of passing.
Spain was 2-1 up shortly after with another well-made goal, this time created by a driven cross from the left by Juan Miranda with López in the right place to tap it in.
Spain’s third goal, scored in the 28th minute, was nothing short of sensational. It originated from a right-footed free-kick taken from just outside the area and slightly to the left.
Baena took a step back and executed a beautifully delicate shot that curled into the corner, leaving Guillaume Restes frozen on his line. The clever misdirection made the free-kick goal even more exquisite.
Second Half Adjustments
In response to the mounting pressure, French coach Thierry Henry orchestrated a double substitution early in the second half.
However, despite some promising chances from Castello Lukeba and Manu Kone, the French side struggled to convert their opportunities. Spain’s defense, marshaled by Tenas, held firm, soaking up the pressure and breaking on counter-attacks, though they too failed to capitalize on their chances, with shots from Miranda and Ruiz going off-target.
Resurgence and Equalizer
France eventually found a breakthrough in the 79th minute when Olise’s low free-kick took a deflection off Maghnes Akliouche to beat Tenas, cutting the deficit to 3-2 and igniting hope among the French supporters.
The game took another dramatic twist in stoppage time when Spain’s Benat Turrientes fouled Arnaud Kalimuendo in the box, resulting in a penalty. Mateta stepped up and converted, leveling the match at 3-3 in the 93rd minute as Parc des Princes erupted with celebration.
Extra Time Drama
With momentum shifted, the match entered extra time, and both teams were eager to seize the ultimate prize. Spain’s Sergio Camello, who had initially been on the standby list, became the hero of the hour.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, he delicately chipped the ball over Restes, scoring Spain’s fourth goal and igniting jubilation among the Spanish fans. But Camello wasn’t finished, in the dying moments of extra time, he made another incisive run, scoring his second goal and solidifying Spain’s victory with a decisive 5-3 final score.
Conclusion
With this dazzling Olympic gold medal, Spain’s male footballers continue to build on a remarkable summer of success.
Their victory in Paris is not just a stand alone achievement but part of a trio of titles secured in recent weeks, including the UEFA Under-19 tournament and Euro 2024 in Germany.
