Football Olympic wrap: Gold for both Spain and USA

Spain's men's football team and the USWNT both captured gold at Paris 2024, claiming the ultimate prize in their respective tournaments. These victories highlight the dominance of Spain and the continued excellence of the US women's national team on the global stage.

Men's football

Spain clinched their second Olympic football title with a dramatic extra-time win over France at the Parc des Princes. Substitute Sergio Camello emerged as the hero, scoring twice in the additional period to secure a chaotic and thrilling victory on Friday, 9 August.

The Spanish appeared to have the final wrapped up after a brilliant ten-minute spell in the first half, where Fermin Lopez netted twice and Alex Baena added a stunning free-kick, giving them a commanding lead. France initially took the lead after 12 minutes through Eric Millot, whose shot slipped through Arnau Tenas’ hands.

Spain's star-studded men's team go their hands on gold. GETTY IMAGES
Spain's star-studded men's team go their hands on gold. GETTY IMAGES

France staged a remarkable comeback in the closing moments of regular time, with Maghnes Akliouche scoring and Jean-Philippe Mateta converting a stoppage-time penalty to level the match at 3-3. Spain's win marks their first Olympic gold in men's football since 1992, when they triumphed on home soil in Barcelona.

"It wasn't easy to build this team up, but I'm proud of the work we did," said France manager Thierry Henry. "It's been a great run and we leave with a medal, so these will be great memories," he added.

Meanwhile, Morocco secured the bronze medal in the men's football tournament with a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt in a one-sided third-place playoff. The match was so lopsided that the referee ended it at the 90-minute mark without any added time, sparing Egypt further misery. This resounding win marks the largest margin of victory in a medal match in men's Olympic football since 1928.






Women's football

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) clinched the women’s Olympic football title at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, defeating Brazil 1-0 at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, 10 August.

Mallory Swanson netted the decisive goal in a closely contested match, marking her 100th appearance for the USWNT and securing the team’s remarkable fifth gold medal. Legendary forward Megan Rapinoe and Hollywood star Tom Cruise were among the spectators cheering from the stands.

"I am very emotional. It has been a dream of mine to be in this position. Tremendous people and players and role models, I love them," Emma Hayes told broadcaster Eurosport after the final.

It was gold for Emma Hayes and her USWNT at Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES
It was gold for Emma Hayes and her USWNT at Paris 2024. GETTY IMAGES

"Chelsea has been my love," she said. "Every trophy I won with that club is dear to me. But this professionally is probably much bigger than anything else I have ever done," added the 47-year-old.

Brazil claimed their third silver medal in Olympic history, adding to their previous runner-up finishes in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

On Friday, 9 August, Germany triumphed in the European showdown, overcoming Spain 1-0 to win the bronze medal, with Giulia Gwinn converting a second-half penalty to seal the victory.