France’s Heartbreak as Spain Clinches Olympic Football Gold in Dramatic Fashion
Before the match, fans held aloft a colossal banner bearing a gold medal above a sign urging Thierry Henry’s players to “décrochez la médaille” – “get the medal.” The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, resounded through the stadium, its strains more poignant than ever at this Olympics.
France had entered the final with the hope that gold was destined for them, playing on the very turf where Michel Platini’s team clinched the European Championship against Spain 40 years ago. But as the game unfolded, it became clear that Spain was determined to spoil the French dream. The Spaniards, current women’s World Cup holders and men’s European champions, showcased their dominance across all age groups. France had faced Spain in the final of the Under-19 European Championships just 12 days earlier in Belfast, losing 2-0. With this Olympic triumph, Spain secured three titles in a month, each with almost entirely different squads.
France’s extraordinary comeback, having trailed 3-1 at halftime, has given the country its heroes. Jean-Philippe Mateta, the Crystal Palace forward, calmly converted a 93rd-minute penalty to send the game into extra time.
Sergio Camello came off the bench for Spain, silencing the home crowd at Parc des Princes with two extra-time goals, securing La Roja’s first-ever men’s Olympic gold medal in football. His performance exemplified the depth of talent within the Spanish squad.
Desire Doue, one of Henry’s substitutes, dominated the left flank during France’s excellent second half. Henry himself proved to be a key motivator and game-changer. Yet, Spain’s fourth goal, crafted by Sergio Camello from a sublime ball by Sergio Gomez, told the story of a nation blessed with footballing prowess.
There was frustration in France over Real Madrid’s refusal to release Kylian Mbappe to Henry’s Olympic team, while Spanish law mandates the release of players for their national sides.
Spain’s squad required only a few fringe players from the European Championship to secure their first Olympic gold since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez showcased his intuitive play, equalizing after France’s early goal and capitalizing on a spill by French goalkeeper Guillaume Restes to score his second goal of the tournament.
Spain’s defense was initially resolute against Henry’s side, who conceded a free-kick from Villarreal’s Alex Baena before halftime. Seventeen-year-old Pau Cubarsi stood out defensively, while Eric Garcia, his 23-year-old Barcelona partner, left the field injured after making a crucial block.
Despite an early blunder allowing Enzo Millo’s shot to slip through for France’s opener, Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas redeemed himself with several excellent saves.
France took an early lead in Paris, but Fermin Lopez soon equalized for La Roja, marking his sixth goal of the tournament. Alex Baena seemed to put the game beyond reach by doubling Spain’s lead after 28 minutes. Thierry Henry’s team struggled throughout much of the first half to gain control of the match.
However, the French found a lifeline when Maghnes Akliouche managed to touch Michael Olise’s free-kick into the net. Jean-Philippe Mateta forced the game into extra time by coolly netting a stoppage-time penalty after a tussle in the box led to a VAR-awarded penalty for France.
Despite the French spirit and determination, which led Henry to call his close-knit group “the crazies,” Spain’s resilience prevailed. Camello’s late strike, the fifth goal of the match, was the final flourish of Spanish brilliance on a breathtaking night.
The Olympic gold slipped through France’s fingers, leaving them to reflect on what might have been as Spain celebrated their historic victory.