MATCH REPORT | Spain make Golden history in Paris (3-5)
The match did not start in a simple manner for the Spanish team, as the French side dominated possession and created the early chances. In the 11th minute, Enzo Millot pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired a powerful left-footed shot to put the hosts ahead.
Undeterred by the 1-0 deficit and the hostile atmosphere at the Parc des Princes, Spain fought back. In the 18th minute, a clever combination between European champions Álex Baena and Fermín led to the latter slotting home a measured shot to level the score.
Just moments later, Fermín struck again. An excellent cross from Miranda found captain Abel Ruiz, whose effort was blocked, only for Fermín to pounce and put Spain in front, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish fans.
The Spanish onslaught continued, and in the 28th minute, Álex Baena scored with a stunning free-kick which left the French goalkeeper helpless. With the score at 1-3, Spain were in total control, with Abel Ruiz, Fermín, Aimar Oroz, and Juan Miranda all going close to extending the lead.
Towards the end of the first half, France had their own chances, but the inspired Arnau Tenas in the Spanish goal made several crucial saves to preserve the two-goal advantage at the break.
In the second half, France came out with renewed vigor, while Spain looked dangerous on the counterattack. Both teams had chances to score, but it was France who pulled one back in the 79th minute through a deflected free-kick from Michael Olise. This goal gave the hosts renewed hope, and they pushed for an equalizer, which eventually came in the 93rd minute from a Mateta penalty.
The match went to extra time, and it was Spain who seized the initiative. Sergio Camello scored twice, with the second goal coming after a superb long pass from goalkeeper Arnau Tenas, to secure the 3-5 victory and Spain's second Olympic gold medal, replicating the heroics of Barcelona 1992.
DATA SHEET
Starting lineup: Guillaume Restes (P); Kiliann Sildillia, Loïc Badé, Castello Lukeba, Adrien Truffert; Kouadio Manu Koné, Enzo Millot (Désiré Doué, 78'), Joris Chotard (Maghnes Akliouche, 52'); Michael Olise, Alexandre Lacazette (C) (Arnaud Kalimuendo, 52') and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Substitutes: Obed Nkambadio (P), Bradley Locko, Soungoutou Magassa, Maghnes Akliouche, Rayan Cherki, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Désiré Doué.
Coach: Thierry Henry.
Starting lineup: Arnau Tenas (P); Marc Pubill (Juanlu Sánchez, 73'), Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Juan Miranda; Pablo Barrios, Álex Baena (Beñat Turrientes, 83'), Aimar Oroz, Fermín López (Adrián Bernabé, 73'), Sergio Gómez; Abel Ruiz (C) (Sergio Camello, 83').
Substitutes: Joan García (P), Juanlu Sánchez, Jon Pacheco, Miguel Gutiérrez, Beñat Turrientes, Adrián Bernabé and Sergio Camello.
Coach: Santi Denia.
1-0 | Enzo Millot (11')
1-1 | Fermín López (18')
1-2 | Fermín López (25')
1-3 | Álex Baena (28')
2-3 | Maghnes Akliouche (79')
3-3 | Jean-Philippe Mateta (pen.) (90+3')
3-4 | Sergio Camello (100')
3-5 | Sergio Camello (120+1')
Referee: Ramon Abatti (BRA)
Assistant referees: Rafael Alves (BRA) and Guilherme Dias Camilo (BRA)
Fourth official: Beida Dahane (MTN)
VAR: Tatiana Guzmán (NCA)
Assistant VAR: David Coote (GBR) and Ovidiu Haţegan (ROU)
Final of the Men's Football Tournament of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Parc des Princes, Paris (France)
Yellow cards: Kouadio Manu Koné (36') and Loïc Badé (45+5') for France and Adrián Bernabé (76') and Álex Baena (78') for Spain