Spain secured its place in a record-equaling fifth Olympic men’s soccer final on Monday, defeating Morocco 2-1 at Stade de Marseille. Juanlu Sanchez came off the bench to score the decisive goal in the 85th minute, setting up a final match against either France or Egypt at the upcoming Paris Games.
Morocco initially took the lead in the first half, with tournament top scorer Soufiane Rahimi converting a penalty in the 37th minute. Spain equalized in the 65th minute when Fermin Lopez executed a left-footed shot low into the bottom corner after showcasing quick footwork in the box. Lopez also assisted Sanchez’s winning goal, allowing him to sweep the ball into the far corner.
“The moment passed so fast that I didn’t even realize it, but then, when you realized that you scored the goal that puts your team in the final, well, I’m really happy,” Sanchez said.
Lopez expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “I think that my goal changed a bit the match, and I think it was a great match for the whole team and we deserved it. And here we are.”
Spain, which previously won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, lost to Brazil in the final at the Tokyo Games three years ago. The upcoming final presents an opportunity for redemption, particularly after the senior men’s team recently won the European Championship.
“It’s basically a World Cup for the under-23s,” said Spain coach Santi Denia, reflecting on the significance of the gold medal match scheduled for Friday at Parc des Princes in Paris.
On the other hand, Morocco faced another difficult semifinal exit in a major tournament. The team made history as the first Arab and African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals in 2022, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Morocco will compete for the bronze medal in its next match.
Playing before a passionate crowd mostly comprised of Moroccan supporters, the team had previously caused an upset by defeating Argentina in the group stage. Rahimi, who had scored five goals prior to the match, extended his tally to six with his successful penalty kick against Spain goalkeeper Arnau Tenas.
Spain almost leveled the score just before halftime when Alex Baena’s long-range effort was deflected onto the outside of the post. Lopez’s equalizer marked his fourth goal of the tournament, though his exuberant celebrations resulted in a yellow card after he kicked the corner flag and broke it in two.
Morocco nearly found a late winner before Sanchez secured the victory for Spain, which has won silver medals on three occasions, with its only gold coming in 1992. Brazil is the only other men’s team to have reached five Olympic finals, including the last three.
In addition, Spain’s women’s team is also set to compete in the semifinals, facing Brazil on Tuesday, also in Marseille.
