Thriller in extra time

LIVE: Will host nation France win soccer gold?

(Bild: AFP or licensors)

After the European Championships in Germany, Spain also wins the Olympic soccer tournament in Paris! The Iberians beat hosts France 5:3 in extra time on Friday.

2024 is a summer of success for Spain's footballers. Following Real Madrid's triumph in the Champions League final and just four weeks after the senior team's European Championship title, Spain's talented players also won Olympic gold in Paris. The Iberians beat hosts France 5:3 after extra time (3:3, 3:1) in the final at the Parc des Princes on Friday to win the Olympic Games for the second time after their triumph at the 1992 home games in Barcelona.

Fermin Lopez scored twice.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Spaniards squandered a 3-1 lead in regulation time and conceded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time to equalize at 3-3. In extra time, Sergio Camello was the match-winner for coach Santi Denia's team. The Rayo Vallecano professional scored with feeling to make it 4:3 (100') and also provided the final goal (121').

Thierry Henry(Bild: AFP or licensors)

The French side, coached by Thierry Henry, dominated the early stages and took the lead through Enzo Millot (11) after a mistake by goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. However, Spain turned the game around within ten minutes with three goals from two European Championship participants. Barcelona striker Fermin Lopez with a brace (18th, 25th) and Alex Baena from FC Villarreal with a direct free-kick (28th) put the team 3:1 ahead.

Glasner protégé saves France
France scored the equalizer in the 79th minute when Maghnes Akliouche deflected a free-kick from Bayern Munich signing Michael Olisé (79'). And to the delight of the 50,000 spectators, the home side also managed to equalize. Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is coached by Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, converted a penalty (90.+3).

Jean-Philippe Mateta(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Spain almost snatched victory in normal time, but Benat Turrientes' shot hit the crossbar (90.+6). In the end, a Camello lob won gold. Morocco had won the bronze medal on Thursday thanks to a 6:0 win over Egypt.

 Here are the match statistics:

Final, in Paris (Parc des Princes): 
Spain - France 5:3 n.V. (3:3,3:1)
Goals: Fermin Lopez (18th, 25th), Baena (28th), Camello (100th, 121st) and Millot (11th), Akliouche (79th), Mateta (90th+3/penalty) respectively.

Bronze medal match, in Nantes: 
Egypt - Morocco 0:6 (0:2)