PARIS — Spain continued its long-running domination of international soccer in incredible fashion on Friday, claiming the men's Olympic gold medal with a frantic, frenzied 5-3 extra-time victory over France in a match that included just about everything.
There was an early deficit, a spirited reversal, a blown two-goal lead, a dramatic VAR stoppage-time French penalty and, ultimately, Spanish superiority when it mattered most to leave French coach Thierry Henry, as well as a packed and passionate home crowd at the Parc des Princes, absolutely crushed.
The match was a watch-it-again-right-now classic, the highest-scoring men's final in Olympic history. Substitute Sergio Camello ultimately decided it, running on to a beautiful pass from Adrián Bernabé in the 100th minute and delivering a feathery chip over the on-rushing goalkeeper to set off wild celebrations from the Spanish players as Henry turned on his heel in the technical area and the French players simply stared.
Their shock was understandable, as it certainly seemed that they might pull off a magical comeback to claim gold in their country's capital.