Spain Triumphs Over France In Extra Time To Claim Olympic Gold

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Sergio Camello emerged as the hero for Spain, scoring twice in extra time to secure a 5-3 victory over France and clinch Olympic gold. The match saw three goals in the first half, with Fermin Lopez netting twice and Alex Baena adding another, overturning Enzo Millot's early goal for France. Maghnes Akliouche set up a dramatic finish, and Jean-Phillipe Mateta's penalty forced extra time.

Enzo Millot gave France an early lead by capitalising on a loose clearance to score from the right side of the area. Spain's goalkeeper, Arnau Tenas, misjudged the ball's flight, allowing it into the bottom-left corner. However, Barcelona's Fermin Lopez equalised shortly after, finishing from the centre of the area after receiving a pass from Alex Baena.

Spain quickly built on their momentum. Lopez scored his second goal when Guillaume Restes could only parry Abel Ruiz's shot. Moments later, Baena scored a stunning free-kick from just outside the D, curling it over the wall and into the top-left corner.

Manu Kone missed a crucial chance to reduce Spain’s lead when he headed against the crossbar after halftime. However, Michael Olise’s free-kick found Akliouche, who steered it into the far corner with 11 minutes left. In stoppage time, Benat Turrientes fouled Arnaud Kalimuendo in the box, allowing Mateta to level with a penalty.

Turrientes nearly redeemed himself moments later but hit the crossbar with his shot. As both teams pressed for a winner in extra time, Camello latched onto Adrian Bernabe’s pass and chipped Restes to put Spain ahead again.

Camello Seals Victory

Camello wasn't finished yet. With France pushing forward in stoppage time of extra time, he capitalised on a long throw from Tenas to score his second goal and ensure Spain's triumph. The final whistle confirmed Spain as Olympic champions with a 5-3 win.

HEMOS CUMPLIDO NUESTRO SUENO HEMOS CONSEGUIDO EL ???????????? OLIMPICO!! 3-5 #UnSueoCompartido | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/WYftBEu2yU

Campeones Olmpicos. A WILD final ends at 5-3 and Spain take home the gold! pic.twitter.com/qdRquKhmHA

A Long-Awaited Triumph

This victory ended Spain’s 32-year wait for Olympic gold since their last triumph at Barcelona 1992. Despite being runners-up at Sydney 2000 and Tokyo 2020, they finally secured gold this time around. With their senior team recently winning a fourth European title and now this under-23 success in Paris, Spanish football appears poised for continued dominance.