Spain Wins Olympic Gold in Thrilling Match Against France
In a match that will be remembered for years to come, Spain has won the Olympic men’s soccer gold medal, defeating France 5-3 in extra time at the Parc des Princes in Paris. The victory marks Spain’s first Olympic gold in men’s soccer since the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Sergio Camello, who came on as an 83rd-minute substitute, scored two goals to seal the win for Spain. His first goal came in the 100th minute, and he added his second in the first minute of added time. Camello’s goals ended France’s hopes of winning its first Olympic gold since Los Angeles 1984.
The match was a thrilling one, with France fighting back from 3-1 down to force extra time. Enzo Millot gave France an early lead, but Spain replied with three goals in 10 minutes, with Fermin Lopez scoring twice and Alex Baena making it 3-1 in the 28th minute.
France mounted a late fightback in the second half, with Maghnes Akliouche scoring in the 79th minute. The French team then equalized from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute, sending the match into extra time.
Spain’s coach, Santi Denia, praised his team’s performance, saying they deserved to cry "tears of joy" after a "long-suffering match." Camello, who was mobbed by his teammates and substitutes after the final whistle, said, "We are the happiest children in the world."
The victory marks a personal double for Lopez and Baena, who were both part of the Euro 2024-winning squad. "What a summer. And I hope this summer never ends so we can continue winning," Baena said. "I am very happy to have made history with Spain."
The win also ended the dominance of Latin American nations in the Olympics, with Brazil and Argentina winning twice in the last five editions. Spain’s victory marked a significant milestone for European soccer, with the team’s coach, Santi Denia, saying, "We are the first European team to win the Olympic gold medal in men’s soccer since 1992."
In other news, Spain’s women’s team lost 1-0 to Germany in the bronze medal match earlier on Friday.
