PARIS — It has been a golden summer for Spanish soccer.
Less than a month after winning the European Championship, Spain followed with a thrilling 5-3 extra-time victory in the Olympic men’s final against France on Friday.
Sergio Camello’s two goals eventually settled an epic match in Spain’s favor after France fought back from 3-1 down to force extra time at Parc des Princes.
“We are the happiest children in the world,” said Camello, who had come on as an 83rd-minute substitute and likely made himself a national icon.
Spain’s coach Santi Denia said his players deserved to cry “tears of joy” after “such a long-suffering match.”
Long-suffering for the players, maybe. But for anyone watching, it will live in the memory as a classic.
France took an early lead through Enzo Millot, but Spain replied with three goals in 10 minutes as Barcelona star Fermin Lopez Lopez struck twice, and Alex Baena made it 3-1 in the 28th minute.
Roared on by passionate home crowd, France mounted a late rally in the second half after Maghnes Akliouche scored in the 79th. France pushed the game to extra time when Jean-Phillipe Mateta equalized from the penalty spot in the 93rd minute.
But the momentum swung again when Camello lifted a shot over France goalkeeper Guillaume Restes in the 100th, and he got his second when racing away from his own half in the first minute of time added on.
The forward tore off his shirt and was swamped by teammates and substitutes, who piled onto the field from the touchline in frenzied celebrations.
Spain, which lost the final to Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, became the first European gold medalist in men’s soccer since it last won the tournament at the Barcelona Games in 1992.
Not even during Spain’s dominant run of winning back-to-back Euros and the World Cup from 2008-2012, could it add to that sole Olympic gold.
That wait ended in Paris and underlined the power of Spanish soccer again. Spain also won the under 19s European Championship last month, beating France in the final.
The Olympic victory marked a personal double for Lopez and Baena who were part of the Euro 2024-winning squad.
“What a summer. And I hope this summer never ends so we can continue winning,” Baena said. “I am very happy to have made history with Spain.”