In an unforgettable showdown, Spain claimed the men’s Olympic soccer gold for the first time since 1992, defeating host nation France 5-3 after a gripping extra-time battle.
The atmosphere at Parc des Princes in Paris was electric, with French fans brimming with hope and pride as their team prepared to take on Spain in the final. The weight of expectations was heavy on the shoulders of French coach Thierry Henry, a legend on the field but still finding his footing as a coach.
The match began with France seizing an early advantage, thanks to Enzo Millot capitalizing on a rare mistake by Spain’s goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. However, the joy for the home crowd was short-lived. Spain responded with a ruthless display, scoring three goals in a rapid 10-minute burst. Álex Baena and Fermín López, who netted twice, turned the game on its head, leaving France trailing 3-1 at halftime.
Heroic Extra-Time Performance Seals Spain’s Victory
Despite the setback, France wasn’t ready to surrender. Fueled by the passionate support of their fans, Les Espoirs staged a remarkable comeback in the second half. Maghnes Akliouche’s clever flick and Jean-Philippe Mateta’s dramatic last-minute penalty brought the score to 3-3, sending the match into extra time.
In the added period, Spain found their hero in Sergio Camello. With two exquisite chip shots, Camello sealed the victory for La Roja, earning them their second Olympic title and their first since the 1992 Barcelona Games.
Reflecting on the match, Thierry Henry acknowledged the difficult moments his team faced.
Spain’s manager, Santi Denia, praised his players for their resilience and determination. “These matches are never easy, especially against a strong team like France,” Denia said. “Our athletes truly earned this gold medal through their immense sacrifices and dedication to reaching this point.”
For Camello, the victory was deeply personal. “Scoring those goals was a dream come true,” he told Spanish broadcaster TVE. “I owe it to my teammates for believing in me. We’ve made history, and it’s something we’ll cherish forever.”
Spain’s Olympic triumph adds to an extraordinary period of success for the nation’s soccer teams. In recent years, Spain has also celebrated victories in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Euro 2024, and the 2024 Under-19 European Championship, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in international soccer.
