Paris Olympics, men's football: Journey of gold medal winners Spain
After winning the 2024 European Championship title in Germany, Spain flexed their muscles again, winning the gold medal at 2024 Paris Olympics. Spain continued their recent dominance of international football by edging past France. Notably, France fought back from 3-1 down to force extra time but Spain undid them thereafter. Spain have taken the football world by storm and we decode their Paris campaign.
Why does this story matter?
The thrilling win over France saw Spain continue their amazing journey in recent times. Spain's senior team won the men's European Championship, beating England in the final. Spain's U-19 men's side won the European title last month. And now the U-23 side bagged the Olympic gold in Paris. It's an amazing time to be a Spain supporter.
Do you know?
Men's football teams at the Olympics are restricted to under-23 players (born on or after January 1, 2001) with a maximum of three overage players allowed.
Spain's journey in 2024 Paris
Placed in Group C, Spain started their 2024 Paris journey with a 2-1 win over Uzbekistan. Spain downed Dominican Republic next in a 3-1 affair. In their 3rd clash, Spain were stunned 2-1 by Egypt. With six points from three games, Spain made it through to the knockout stages. In the quarters, Spain downed Japan 3-0 before they edged past Morocco 2-1 in semis.
What happened in the final?
Hosts France took an early lead through Enzo Millot before Fermin Lopez scored two quickfire goals for Spain as Villarreal's Alex Baena made it 3-1. 22-year-old Maghnes Akliouche and 27-year-old Jean-Philippe Mateta scored late on in the final to make it 3-3. In extra-time, Sergio Camello scored in the 100th minute before adding another in the 117th minute to hand Spain a 5-3 win.
Fermin Lopez scored six goals for Spain
FC Barcelona's Lopez, who starred in the final, smashed six goals at the Paris Olympics. He was the second-highest scorer in the tournament after Morocco's Soufiane Rahimi. Spain scored 16 goals and conceded eight.
2nd gold medal for Spain at the Olympics
Spain won their second gold medal in men's football at the Olympics. Before this, Spain won the gold in the 1992 Games held in Barcelona. Spain have also been three-time runners-up at the Olympics. Spain won the silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics and 1920 Antwerp Olympics. Spain went level with Uruguay, Soviet Union, Brazil and Argentina with two golds.
