Olympics Football Final Preview – France take on Spain in a thriller
In a thrilling Olympics clash France will take on Spain, two powerhouses vying for the coveted gold medal. Spain, riding high on their Euro 2024 victory and Real Madrid’s triumph in the Champions League, are eager to complete a perfect season by adding Olympic glory to their list of achievements. Their squad, brimming with talent and confidence, is poised to dominate again.
On the other hand, France presents a formidable challenge with a balanced blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Seasoned veterans like Alexandre Lacazette and Michael Olise bring invaluable leadership and skill, while the young stars have added a spark to the team’s dynamic. The French squad has impressed throughout the tournament, displaying a flair and tenacity that make them strong contenders for the gold.
As these two giants of European football prepare to face off, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a match filled with passion, skill, and unforgettable moments. The Olympic final promises to be a fitting climax to a summer that has already showcased the very best of Spanish and French football.
All you need to know about the Olympic Football Gold Medal Match
Roads to the Final:
France:
| Date | Round | Home Team | Away Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 24/07/24 | Group Stage | France Olympic Team | USA Olympic Team | 3 – 0 (W) |
| Saturday, 27/07/24 | Group Stage | France Olympic Team | Guinea Olympic Team | 1 – 0 (W) |
| Tuesday, 30/07/24 | Group Stage | New Zealand Olympic Team | France Olympic Team | 0 – 3 (W) |
| Friday, 02/08/24 | Quarterfinals | France Olympic Team | Argentina Olympic Team | 1 – 0 (W) |
| Monday, 05/08/24 | Semifinals | France Olympic Team | Egypt Olympic Team | 3 – 1 (W) |
Spain:
| Date | Round | Home Team | Away Team | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, 24/07/24 | Group Stage | Uzbekistan Olympic Team | Spain Olympic Team | 1 – 2 (W) |
| Saturday, 27/07/24 | Group Stage | Dominican Republic Olympic Team | Spain Olympic Team | 1 – 3 (W) |
| Tuesday, 30/07/24 | Group Stage | Spain Olympic Team | Egypt Olympic Team | 1 – 2 (L) |
| Friday, 02/08/24 | Quarterfinals | Japan Olympic Team | Spain Olympic Team | 0 – 3 (W) |
| Monday, 05/08/24 | Semifinals | Morocco Olympic Team | Spain Olympic Team | 1 – 2 (W) |
Team News:
France:
France have an entire squad to choose from. Manu Kone and Enzo Millot both return to the squad after suspension and may well slot back into the starting XI. The squad is so strong that when a replacement steps in, it’s hard to take them back out.
France are OFF TO THE FINAL! 🇫🇷🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 5, 2024
Les Bleus crushed Egypt 3-1 to book their spot in the Olympic gold medal match against Spain! 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/OPyfDtdJRv
Spain:
La Roja also have an entire squad to choose from.
Spain are through to the Olympic final! 🇪🇸🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) August 5, 2024
La Roja edged out Morocco 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final
Who will they face? France or Egypt? 🥇 pic.twitter.com/NiTjOUVWbb
Player of the Tournament: Michael Olise
Fresh off a substantial €60 million transfer to Bayern Munich from Crystal Palace, Michael Olise is proving his worth and then some at the Olympics. Olise has quickly shown why such a hefty fee is justified, consistently demonstrating his superiority on the field. His performances have been nothing short of spectacular, making the opposition look outclassed at every turn.
With a record of scoring and assisting in every start in this Olympics, Olise has amassed 2 goals and 4 assists so far. His on-field chemistry with Alexandre Lacazette has been particularly noteworthy, forming a lethal partnership that has been crucial for France’s success. The duo has been relentless, constantly creating and converting opportunities, making them the most formidable attacking pair in the tournament.
Olise’s remarkable displays of skill, vision, and creativity have rightfully earned him the title of 365Scores’ (and probably the Olympics’ Player of the Tournament). His impact on the game is undeniable, and his performances are a testament to his burgeoning talent and potential. As he continues to dazzle on the Olympic stage, Michael Olise is setting the bar high and solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in football.
Game of the Tournament: Israel 2-4 Paraguay
Israel and Paraguay delivered a thrilling spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The high-scoring affair ended with Paraguay emerging victorious with a 4-2 win over Israel in the Olympics.
- 25th minute: Paraguay’s Marcos Fernandez opened the scoring, putting Paraguay ahead early in the game.
- 53rd minute: Israel’s Omri Gandelman equalized, bringing the score to 1-1 and reigniting the contest.
- 69th minute: Julio Enciso restored Paraguay’s lead with a clinical finish, making it 2-1.
- 80th minute: Oscar Gloukh struck for Israel, leveling the score once again at 2-2 and setting up a tense final 10 minutes.
- 90+3 minute: Fabián Balbuena scored for Paraguay, giving them a crucial 3-2 lead in stoppage time.
- 90+6 minute: Marcos Fernandez sealed the victory for Paraguay with his second goal of the match, making the final score 4-2.
Israel’s effort was commendable, with standout performances from Gloukh and Gandelman, but it was Paraguay’s night as they managed to outscore and outlast their opponents in a game that had everything: goals, drama, and unforgettable moments. This match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the Olympic football tournament.
Key Players:
France: Loic Bade
We could’ve easily gone for Olise again here, but some love needs to be shown to the French defence. They’ve conceded just one goal in this entire Olympics. Just ONE! A massive reason why is Loic Bade.
The 24-year-old center-back started 27 games in La Liga last year for Sevilla and was a bright spark all year.
His excellent positioning, timely interceptions, and commanding aerial ability have made him a formidable barrier for opposing attackers.
As France prepares for the Olympics gold medal match, Loic Bade’s contributions will undoubtedly be crucial. His performances have been a cornerstone of the team’s success, and he has firmly established himself as one of the top defenders in the tournament. While the spotlight often shines on the attacking stars, it is players like Bade who form the backbone of a championship-winning team.
Loïc Badé vs Argentina pic.twitter.com/EPR7Qy42PY
— ️️. (@olislfc) August 3, 2024
Spain: Fermin Lopez
The phrase goes ‘no rest for the wicked’ but it also could be readjusted to ‘no rest for technical Spanish midfielders’. Fermin Lopez was a member of La Roja’s trophy-winning Euro 2024 squad. The rest of his teammates have enjoyed relaxing vacations in Dubai, Marbella and the Algarve but not Lopez. He’s thrown himself right back into more football and for Spain, it’s lucky that he decided to. He’s been excellent.
He’s scored four crucial goals and laid on one assist as well. Hopefully, Barcelona gives this boy a break after the Olympics because boy does he need it!
Another La Masia jewelry turns 21st today 🎂
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 11, 2024
Happy birthday Fermin Lopez 🎉 pic.twitter.com/HdGnMeF855
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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