In a pulsating finale to the men’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Spain clinched the gold medal with a dramatic 5-3 victory over host nation France in extra time at the Parc des Princes. The match, which swung back and forth, showcased the resilience and skill of both teams, ultimately ending with Spain securing their second Olympic football gold, 32 years after their triumph in Barcelona 1992.France opened the scoring early through Enzo Millot in the 11th minute. However, Spain responded emphatically with a quick-fire double from Fermín López in the 18th and 25th minutes, followed by Álex Baena’s free-kick goal in the 28th minute, giving Spain a 3-1 lead at halftime.The hosts mounted a spirited comeback in the second half. Maghnes Akliouche reduced the deficit in the 79th minute, and Jean-Philippe Mateta dramatically equalized from the penalty spot in stoppage time (90+3′), forcing the match into extra time.It was in the additional period that Spain’s Sergio Camello emerged as the hero. The 23-year-old forward, who had been left out of the starting lineup and only introduced as a substitute in the 83rd minute, scored the crucial fourth goal in the 100th minute. Camello then sealed the victory with Spain’s fifth goal in the dying moments of extra time (120+1′).This golden triumph completes a remarkable double for Spain, who had already claimed the European Championship earlier in 2024. Spanish coach Santi Denia expressed his pride in the team’s performance, stating, ‘It’s a well-deserved gold medal: the team has shown great quality and merit’.For France, led by coach Thierry Henry, the silver medal represents their best Olympic football performance since winning gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Games. Morocco secured the bronze medal with a convincing 6-0 victory over Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Key points
- Spain won the Olympic gold medal in men’s football, defeating France 5-3 in extra time.
- Sergio Camello, introduced as a late substitute, scored two crucial goals in extra time to secure Spain’s victory.
- This win marks Spain’s second Olympic football gold, 32 years after their 1992 Barcelona triumph, and completes a Euro-Olympic double in 2024.
Contradictions👾There are minor discrepancies in the reported scorelines, with some sources stating 5-3 and others 4-3.
The majority of sources confirm the 5-3 scoreline, so this is considered more reliable.
👾Some sources mention a penalty shootout, but the majority and more detailed accounts describe the match ending in extra time without penalties.
