August 11 – With two extra-time goals from Sergio Camello, Spain defeated the host nation France 5-3 in a spectacular Olympic final to claim a gold medal and conclude a perfect summer after wins at Euro 2024 and the U-19 European championship.
Substitute Camello – only on standby at the start of the Olympic Games – became Spain’s hero with goals in the 100th and 121st minute of extra time to kill France’s dream of a first gold medal since the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles after the hosts had cancelled out Spain’s 3-1 first-half lead with a courageous rearguard action.
A three-goal blitz inside the space of 11 first-half minutes had France rattled, but goals from Maghnes Akliouche and Jean-Philippe Mateta took the final to extra time before the team of manager Santi Denia prevailed.
With their second Olympic gold medal, Spain cemented their dominance of the international game in the first all-European Olympic final in 32 years.
Earlier this summer, Spain won the European championship and repeated the feat at U-19 level. This final was ultimately not the fairy tale of Thierry Henry’s managerial redemption, supported by a cast of brave Bleus, thriving on brotherhood and a common goal on home soil, as ultimately France fell short against the better side.
After festive pre-match proceedings and a live rendition of the ubiquitous ‘Freed from Desire’, the French took a 12th-minute lead through Enzo Millot’s attempt that Arnau Tenas punched into his net. It was a freak goal as the Spanish goalkeeper wrong-footed himself, but the hosts did not enjoy their lead for long.
France’s first shot resulted in a goal, and Spain’s first constructive attack did as well.
Alex Baene’s angled pass split the French backline and the ever-present Fermin Lopez obliged with a cool first-time finish from inside the box in the 18th minute.
The French had been badly exposed, and Spain’s second attack induced more carnage and more suspect defending….
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/08/12/spain-beat-france-extra-time-add-olympic-win-golden-2024/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-08-12 08:40:25
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