PARIS — Spanish soccer has enjoyed a remarkable summer, highlighted by a thrilling 5-3 extra-time win against France in the Olympic men’s final on Friday, just weeks after clinching the European Championship.
The match at Parc des Princes was a dramatic affair; after trailing 3-1, France pushed through to tie the game, forcing extra time. Sergio Camello, who came on as a late substitute, scored two crucial goals to lead Spain to victory.
“We are the happiest children in the world,” Camello expressed, solidifying his place as a national hero. Coach Santi Denia praised his players, encouraging them to cry “tears of joy” after such an intense match.
The action began with France taking an early lead through Enzo Millot, but Spain responded with three goals in a rapid ten-minute span, featuring two goals from Fermin Lopez and a third from Alex Baena.
France narrowed the gap in the second half when Maghnes Akliouche scored, and then equalized in stoppage time with a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta, pushing the match into extra time. However, Spain regained control, with Camello scoring in the 100th minute and adding another goal in the first minute of stoppage time, leading to jubilant celebrations among teammates.
Spain’s victory marked its first Olympic gold in men’s soccer since the 1992 Barcelona Games, ending a long drought that persisted despite a period of dominance in international football.
Reflecting on the summer’s success, Baena said, “What a summer. And I hope this summer never ends so we can continue winning.” Both Lopez and Baena were also part of the Euro 2024-winning squad.
Meanwhile, France faced another disappointing final defeat after losing to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup. Despite the heartbreak, coach Thierry Henry acknowledged the support from fans and the spirit of unity in the crowd.
Spain’s victory ended a streak of gold medals won by Latin American countries in the previous five Olympics, making it a significant achievement for European soccer.
In women’s soccer, however, Spain’s national team couldn’t mirror the men’s success, falling to Germany 1-0 in the bronze medal match earlier in the day.