Spain has achieved a remarkable summer in soccer, securing gold in the men’s Olympic final with a thrilling 5-3 extra-time victory over France at Parc des Princes on Friday. This victory comes less than a month after Spain won the European Championship.
Sergio Camello played a crucial role, scoring two goals in extra time that helped seal the match. After coming on as an 83rd-minute substitute, Camello expressed his joy, stating, “We are the happiest children in the world.”
Spain’s coach, Santi Denia, acknowledged the players’ efforts, stating they deserved to cry “tears of joy” following “such a long-suffering match.” The match saw France equalize in the dying moments of regulation, with Jean-Phillipe Mateta converting a penalty in the 93rd minute.
Camello’s first goal came in the 100th minute, skillfully lifting the ball over French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes. He followed up with his second goal in the first minute of added time.
This victory is particularly significant for Spain, which lost to Brazil in the final of the Tokyo Olympics three years ago. With this win, Spain becomes the first European nation to claim gold in men’s soccer since its last victory at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
The match was also a personal success for Fermin Lopez and Alex Baena, both of whom were part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad. Lopez contributed two goals, while Baena added another during a 10-minute span in the first half, giving Spain a 3-1 lead at halftime after Enzo Millot had initially scored for France.
France mounted a comeback with goals from Maghnes Akliouche and Mateta, pushing the game into extra time and electrifying the home crowd, who chanted “Alez Les Bleus.”
Despite Camello’s goals extinguishing France’s hopes for their first Olympic gold since 1984, the crowd remained supportive as coach Thierry Henry and the players conducted a lap of honor post-match. Henry reflected, “It was a crazy final; at the end, we got a medal. Unfortunately, we are not Olympic champions, but you can’t take anything away from this team.”
Camello’s second goal, which came after a swift run from his own half, ignited celebrations among the Spanish team, with teammates and substitutes rushing onto the field. Initially, Camello had been substituted in to help maintain Spain’s lead but ended up as a key player in their victory.
This triumph by Spain marks a shift in Olympic men’s soccer, breaking the streak of Latin American nations, which had dominated the event in recent years, with Brazil and Argentina each winning twice and Mexico securing gold. Additionally, Nigeria and Cameroon won in 1996 and 2000, respectively.
Spain’s women’s team, however, was unable to secure a medal, losing 1-0 to Germany in the bronze medal match.
