Jean-Philippe Mateta, a forward for Crystal Palace, netted two goals as France overturned a deficit to secure a 3-1 victory over Egypt after extra time, earning a spot in the Olympic men’s football final against Spain, who triumphed over Morocco earlier in the day.
Egypt took the lead in the 62nd minute thanks to Mahmoud Saber, and French frustration mounted as they struck the goalpost three times until Mateta equalized in the 83rd minute, pushing the match into extra time.
Egypt soon found themselves down to 10 men when Omar Fayed received a second yellow card, and Mateta seized the opportunity, heading France ahead before Michael Olise added a third goal in the 108th minute.
This final marks the first time a European team has claimed gold in the men’s tournament since Spain’s victory in Barcelona 1992, breaking the Latin American dominance that has seen Brazil and Argentina each win twice, along with a title for Mexico in the last five tournaments.
The opportunity also allows France’s Olympic coach, Thierry Henry, to enhance his illustrious career, having previously secured the World Cup and European Championship as a player. This would mark his first significant accolade in his coaching journey, which is still in its nascent stages.
France’s sole men’s Olympic gold came during the Los Angeles 1984 Games, and they also claimed silver at the 1900 Paris Olympics.
Juanlu Sánchez, coming off the bench, propelled Spain to a record-equalling fifth Olympic men’s final with his decisive goal in the 85th minute, securing a 2-1 win against Morocco.
“The moment passed so fast that I didn’t even realize it, but when you come to understand that you scored the goal that puts your team in the final, I’m really happy,” Sánchez expressed.
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Morocco initially led 1-0 at halftime following a penalty conversion by tournament’s top scorer, Soufiane Rahimi, in the 37th minute. Spain equalized in the 65th minute with Fermín López displaying quick footwork in the box to deliver a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner. He later assisted Sánchez for the decisive goal.
“I believe my goal shifted the dynamics of the match, and it was certainly a remarkable match for the entire team, which we truly deserved,” López commented. “And here we are.”
