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PARIS (AP) — Spanish soccer is enjoying a remarkable summer of success.
Just weeks after securing the European Championship, Spain triumphed once again with an exhilarating 5-3 extra-time win over France in the Olympic men’s final on Friday.
Sergio Camello played a crucial role, scoring two goals that ultimately determined the outcome of the thrilling match at Parc des Princes. Spain initially led 3-1, but France mounted a comeback to force extra time.
“We are the happiest children in the world,” said Camello, who made a significant impact after coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute, potentially cementing his status as a national hero.
Coach Santi Denia expressed that his players deserved to celebrate after enduring “such a long-suffering match.”
Although it was challenging for the players, fans will remember this encounter as a classic.
France took an early advantage with a goal from Enzo Millot, but Spain quickly responded with three goals within ten minutes. Barcelona star Fermin Lopez scored twice, and Alex Baena added a third goal in the 28th minute to give Spain a 3-1 lead.
Fueled by a passionate home crowd, France clawed back into the match in the second half, with Maghnes Akliouche scoring in the 79th minute. The French leveled the game when Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty in the 93rd minute, forcing extra time.
However, the tide turned again when Camello lifted the ball over French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes in the 100th minute. He secured his second goal just a minute later, racing away from his own half to score again.
Camello celebrated wildly, tearing off his shirt as teammates and substitutes rushed onto the field to join in the jubilation.
Spain, which lost to Brazil in the Tokyo Olympics final three years ago, has become the first European nation to win gold in men’s soccer since claiming victory at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
This Olympic victory has added to Spain’s prestige, especially after its recent accomplishments, including winning the under-19 European Championship last month by defeating France in the final.
For Lopez and Baena, the Olympic triumph represents a remarkable personal achievement, as they were also part of the Euro 2024-winning squad.
“What a summer. And I hope this summer never ends so we can continue winning,” Baena remarked. “I am very happy to have made history with Spain.”
For France, the loss marks another disappointment in a final, having previously lost to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup on penalties. Despite their defeat, the players showcased their resilience by fighting back and pushing the game to extra time.
While Camello’s goals dashed France’s hopes of securing Olympic gold for the first time since the Los Angeles Games in 1984, the crowd remained supportive as coach Thierry Henry and his players took a lap of honor to thank the fans after the match.
“We tried to respond as best we could,” Henry noted. “France is beautiful when we are all together, when we unite. It was a wonderful sight to see those flags, red, white, and blue.
“People from the get-go wanted to support us. We lost tonight, but they kept singing.”
Spain’s win breaks the streak of Latin American dominance, which saw Brazil and Argentina each win twice, along with Mexico claiming gold in the last five Olympic competitions. Previous winners include Nigeria in 1996 and Cameroon in 2000.
Spain’s women’s soccer is also thriving, highlighted by their World Cup victory last year. However, they faced disappointment at the Olympics, losing 1-0 to Germany in the bronze medal match on the same day.