In a thrilling finale to the 2024 Olympic men’s football competition, Spain triumphed over hosts France with a 5-3 victory in extra time at Parc des Princes on Friday. Substitute Sergio Camello emerged as the hero, scoring twice in extra time to secure Spain’s first Olympic men’s football title since 1992.
The match was locked at 3-3 after 90 minutes of intense play. France had orchestrated a remarkable comeback from 3-1 down, with Maghnes Akliouche narrowing the gap in the 79th minute and Jean-Philippe Mateta equalizing from the penalty spot in stoppage time after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review awarded the hosts a penalty.
France initially took the lead when Enzo Millot capitalized on a loose ball in the box, firing past Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas in the 12th minute. However, Spain responded swiftly and emphatically. Fermin Lopez struck twice in quick succession, netting in the 18th and 25th minutes to put Spain ahead. Alex Baena extended the lead to 3-1 with a superb free-kick into the top left corner just before the half-hour mark.
As the clock ticked down, France refused to relent. Akliouche’s close-range goal reignited their hopes, and the drama peaked when a VAR check led to a penalty for France in stoppage time, which Mateta converted to level the score and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
In extra time, both teams pushed fiercely for a winner. Despite France’s momentum, it was Camello who seized the moment. Ten minutes into the extra period, he lobbed the ball over French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes, regaining the lead for Spain. In the dying moments, Camello sealed the victory with his second goal, following a brilliant save by Restes moments earlier.
“It is something beautiful, but above all I’m happy for the players, for the way they achieved the win,” Spain coach Santi Denia said post-match. “It was an amazing match against a high-level French team. I’m proud also of the model of play we represent.”
Match hero Camello had been introduced as a substitute, a decision that paid dividends. “He has been a hard worker since day one, he deserved his double,” teammate Alex Baena said. “He knew he was going to be a substitute but ended up being the most important player for us and found a reward. I wish the summer never ends. I’m so happy I get to make history with Spain. To win you have to suffer, especially against France in France.”
The victory marks a historic moment for Spain, bringing Olympic football gold back to the country after a 32-year wait and capping off a tournament filled with excitement and memorable performances.
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Camello's brace nets Spain football gold over France 5-3 in extra time
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