PARIS: Substitute Sergio Camello struck twice in extra time to settle a remarkable Olympic men’s football final on Friday as Spain beat France 5-3 to take gold after Thierry Henry’s hosts had earlier staged a dramatic comeback.

It had looked as though Spain were going to run away with victory at the Parc des Princes in Paris when they rec­o­v­ered from conceding an early goal to lead 3-1 by half-time.

Enzo Millot put France in front, but a Fermin Lopez brace and an Alex Baena free-kick turned the final completely on its head.

However, France staged a memorable comeback with Maghnes Akliouche pulling a goal back before Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a stoppage-time penalty awarded following a VAR review.

That took the final into extra time, where Rayo Valle­cano forward Camello emerged as the hero by giving Spain the lead again in the 100th minute of an absorbing game, and then running away to seal their victory at the death.

Silver medallists in Tokyo three years ago, it is the second time Spain has won Olympic men’s football gold after their victory in Barcelona in 1992 with a squad featuring Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique.

Earlier on Friday, Germany women’s team secured bronze with a 1-0 win over Spain thanks to a Giulia Gwinn penalty in the 65th minute, while the world champions missed a penalty in added time at Lyon Stadium.

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2024