Paris Olympics: Spain win historic double after crushing hosts France in eight-goal thriller

It's all Spain's, isn't it?

After the dominant EURO 2024 triumph, the Red Fury clinched another trophy (slightly less important, though) on Friday night, as they defeated the hosts France 5-3 after the extra-time for the Olympic gold medal.

The Spaniards triumphed in the exciting and dramatic eight-goal thriller that lasted for 120 minutes in front of a packed Parc des Princes.

France took an early lead through Millot, before a mouth-watering Spain's ten-minute storm in the first half, which saw Thierry Henry's side conceding three goals in the span of just ten minutes.

Les Bleus opened the scoring in the 11th minute after Spanish keeper Arnau Tenas reacted poorly to Millot's effort. No one could have predicted at that moment that the game would be wrapped up shortly, only in Spain's favour.

Barcelona's young midfielder Fermin Lopez struck twice from brilliant team actions for a total comeback. France's defence was shambolic, though, on both occasions, losing balance due to the rival's smooth passing and off-the-ball movements, which allowed Lopez to bag a brace.

The 'death sentence' was delivered almost instantly through Villarreal's Alex Baena. His amazing free-kick from 20 yards out went straight into the back of the net for a shocking 3-1 lead.

That scenario left not just Les Bleus but also Arsen Wenger, Didier Deschamps and many other familiar faces in the stands gutted.

With a lot of time still left on the clock, Alexandre Lacazzette and his teammates rushed for their much-desired comeback.

However, if Spaniards are excellent in something apart from passing, than it's the control of the game's tempo and the ball possession. Less than a few decent goal-scoring opportunities made it difficult for Henry's boys to peg at least one back.

Still, the tension returned near the end, as Akliouche's slight deflection of Olise's cross headed home for 2-3.

And then, just as we reached injury time, Kalimuendo was taken down inside the area, and after the lengthy VAR review, the referee decided it was a penalty. Mateta nailed it from the spot, and we had got ourselves an additional 30 minutes of drama.

The extra-time saw Spain's Sergio Camello transforming into a hero, with a superb brace. He managed to keep his cool in the 100th minute, with a lovely chip over the keeper to make it 4-3.

France applied the pressure again, but the Spain's counter launched Camello straight through on goal, and his finishing was second to none again for a much-deserved 5-3 victory and the gold medal.

PARIS OLYMPICS - MEN'S FOOTBALL

Final

France - Spain 3-5 a.e.t (3-3)

/Millot 11, Akliouche 79, Mateta 90+3 pen - Lopez 18, 25, Baena 28, Camello 100, 120/