Spain Secures Olympic Gold in Thrilling Paris 2024 Final

Spain continued their dominance in international football by claiming Olympic men’s gold at Paris 2024, overcoming France in a thrilling final that went into extra time. The hosts initially led through Enzo Millot’s early goal but Spain quickly responded, taking a 3-1 lead by half-time. Fermin Lopez was pivotal, scoring twice with Alex Baena adding a third. Despite the daunting deficit, France coached by national legend Thierry Henry, mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

Maghnes Akliouche’s goal and a stoppage-time penalty converted by Jean-Philippe Mateta forced extra time, reigniting hope among the 48,000-strong crowd at the Parc des Princes. However, Spain’s resilience shone through as substitute Sergio Camello scored twice in extra time, securing Spain’s first Olympic gold in men’s football since 1992. The victory capped off a remarkable period for Spanish football, following their recent triumph in the men’s European Championship and the men’s under-19 European title, as well as the women’s World Cup victory last year.

For Henry and the French team, the loss was a painful blow, although the silver medal was celebrated in the end. Despite France’s valiant efforts, the hosts couldn’t complete the comeback, leaving Great Britain ahead of them in the Paris 2024 medal table with 14 golds each but Team GB leading overall with one more medal. Henry, a national hero, expressed pride in his team’s effort despite the defeat, acknowledging that a few lost moments in the first half had a high cost. Spain’s victory, marked by jubilant celebrations, further solidified their status as a football powerhouse on the global stage.