Everything is better in gold as Spain followed up their win at Euro 2024 earlier this summer with a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, triumphing over the French u-23 national team 5-3 in extra time. Jumping out to a two goal lead by halftime, it seemed like Spain were going to make quick work of the match but it was anything but. Fermin Lopez’s brace was boosted by a goal from Alex Baena for Spain to score three consecutive goals following Enzo Millot’s opener for the host nation.
With this victory, Spain has become only the second nation — along with France — to win Euros and the Olympics in the same summer. France showed impressive fortitude under Thierry Henry to fight back in the second half with VAR awarding a penalty that Jean-Philippe Mateta slotted home in the 93rd minute of play in order to force the extra period. Sergio Camello netted the go-ahead goal in extra time to put Spain ahead for good but France would still try to push for another equalizer.
Spain would end the match on quite a high note with Paris Saint-Germain keeper Arnau Tenas noticing an opening to find Camello over the top putting the match out of sight. France were pushing everything forward in search of an equalizer so the situational awareness was important to put the match out of reach.
Both sides have been on impressive runs during these Olympics but Lopez’s performances in getting Spain to gold were something else. Involved in the Spain side for both the Euros and the Olympics, the Barcelona man was able to score six goals and assist two more during the tournament.
The future is bright for both national teams as players like Lopez could come back to their teams for more playing time after this tournament. Even Mateta has been subject to transfer rumors after scoring five goals of his own during the Olympics. He’s set to be the starting striker for Crystal Palace, but if he could move to a European team, this will show what international tournaments can do for player values.
While the men’s side includes younger players, the over aged spots for players like Mateta are critical. Picking the right players can be the difference, and it almost was for France but Spain had that something extra to win gold.
KVSP