Spain Wins Olympic Men’s Football Gold
Spain triumphed over host nation France with a 5-3 victory after extra time, claiming their first Olympic men’s football gold in 32 years at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The thrilling match, held at Parc des Princes, saw eight goals scored over more than two hours of play, including crucial goals in both stoppage time and extra time. This victory capped a remarkable summer for Spanish football, following their Euro 2024 win in Germany and their triumph in the UEFA U19 Championship.
Like their national and U19 teams, the Spanish Olympic squad showcased their tactical intelligence and controlled the match. Despite conceding two late goals that pushed the game into extra time, Spain remained composed under the intense pressure from the packed French crowd. Substitute Sergio Camello scored a decisive double with two chip shots, securing Spain’s victory after over 120 minutes of play.
The final was a spectacle of attacking football, with goals evenly spread throughout the match. France opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a mistake by two Spanish players. Midfielder Alex Baena’s failed clearance in the penalty area allowed Enzo Millot to score with a left-footed shot. The ball was not particularly dangerous, but Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas failed to make the save, resulting in a goal.
However, France’s lead was short-lived, as they conceded three goals in just ten minutes, from the 18th to the 28th minute. Baena redeemed himself by contributing to two of the three goals. He assisted Fermin Lopez’s first-time strike to equalize, then scored directly from a free kick to put Spain ahead 3-1.
In between these two goals, Fermin Lopez completed his brace in the 25th minute. Abel Ruiz’s low cross from the left wing was blocked by French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, but Lopez was quick to react and tapped in the rebound. France struggled to recover from these rapid goals and failed to create significant chances for the next hour.
France’s persistence paid off late in the second half, thanks to Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, both of whom played for Crystal Palace last season. Olise’s low free kick deflected off Maghnes Akliouche and into the net, surprising Tenas and the Spanish defense in the 79th minute. This goal sparked a French resurgence, putting immense pressure on Spain in the closing minutes.
Spain could not withstand the pressure and made a critical error during stoppage time. Juan Miranda fouled Arnaud Kalimuendo in the box during an Olise corner kick, leading the referee to award France a penalty after consulting VAR. Mateta calmly converted the spot-kick, leveling the score at 3-3. French coach Thierry Henry and the crowd at Parc des Princes erupted in celebration as France pulled off a dramatic comeback.
The drama continued in stoppage time, with both teams nearly scoring a fourth goal. Spain’s Turrientes hit the crossbar with a one-touch shot in the box, and moments later, Olise weaved through the right flank and fired a shot that Tenas managed to block.
The two intense halves ended after nine minutes of stoppage time. In extra time, Spain quickly regained their composure, playing fluidly while France appeared fatigued and lost focus. The thrilling contest resumed in the 100th minute when Sergio Camello broke free and expertly chipped the ball over Restes to put Spain ahead.
France lacked the energy to mount another comeback. Their weak attacks were punished in stoppage time of the second extra period when Tenas launched a powerful throw to spark a counter-attack, allowing Camello to complete his brace with another chip shot, sealing the 5-3 victory for Spain. The referee blew the final whistle right after Camello’s goal, ending France’s hopes of winning their first Olympic gold since Los Angeles 1984.
Despite the loss, the crowd at Parc des Princes continued to cheer for coach Thierry Henry and the French players, acknowledging their excellent performance throughout the tournament. They also applauded Spain, who became the first European team to win Olympic men’s football gold in 32 years, having last won in Barcelona 1992. Between these two triumphs, Spain also reached the finals in 2000 and 2016 but fell short on both occasions.
