The Iberians won the final at the Parc des Princes on Friday against hosts France with 5:3 after extra time (3:3,3:1) and won the Olympic gold medal for the second time after their triumph at the home games in Barcelona in 1992.
The Spaniards squandered a 3-1 lead in regular time and conceded a penalty in the third minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3. In extra time, Sergio Camello became the match winner for coach Santi Denia’s team. The Rayo Vallecano professional scored a delicate goal to make it 4-3 (100th minute) and also scored the final goal (121st minute).
The French, coached by Thierry Henry, dominated the opening phase and took the lead through Enzo Millot (11th minute) after a mistake by goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. Within ten minutes, however, Spain turned the game around with three goals from two European Championship participants. Barcelona striker Fermin Lopez with a brace (18th, 25th) and Alex Baena from FC Villarreal with a direct free kick (28th minute) put the team ahead 3-1.
France scored the equaliser in the 79th minute when Maghnes Akliouche deflected a free kick from Bayern Munich newcomer Michael Olisé (79th). And to the cheers of the 50,000 spectators, the home team also managed to equalise. Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is coached by Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace, safely converted a penalty (90th+3).
Spain almost won in regular time, but a shot from Benat Turrientes hit the crossbar (90.+6). Ultimately, a lob from Camello brought gold. Morocco won the bronze medal on Thursday thanks to a 6-0 win against Egypt.
