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Olympic Soccer Bracket 2024: Spain Beats France to Win Men's Gold Medal

Julia Stumbaugh

Spain is the men's soccer Olympic champion for the first time in 32 years.

Spain overcame a stunning comeback attempt from France as Sergio Camello scored twice in extra time to seal a 5-3 gold medal victory Friday at the 2024 Paris Games.

France was first to score during the gold medal match thanks to a goal from Enzo Millot in the 11th minute.

Spain responded by scoring three goals in ten minutes. These included back-to-back strikes by Fermín López, who will finish his debut OIympics with six goals in as many games.

Álex Baena, who helped set up López's earlier equalizer, added to Spain's lead by curving a 28th-minute free kick into the net.

Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas dove across the goalmouth to save a chance from Manu Koné minutes before France finally cut into Spain's lead with a free kick from Maghnes Akliouche.

The host nation completed the comeback from a two-goal deficit in stoppage time as Jean-Philippe Mateta scored on a penalty kick to even the match at 3-3.

Sergio Camello, who entered the match off the bench, played the hero for Spain by recovering the lead with a go-ahead goal in the 100th minute.

Camello then scored again in the final minutes of play in order to put away the victory.

These two teams also clashed during the Euros finals in July. During the previous contest, Spain claimed a 2-1 victory to advance to the final.

Despite the support of the home crowd at the Parc des Princes, France's comeback attempt at redemption fell short. The men's team will still take home their first Olympic medal in the tournament in 40 years.

   

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