Men’s Olympic football at Paris 2024: Semi-final review
Spain booked their place in the final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Morocco on Monday, 5 August.
The Europeans had to come from behind and Fermin Lopez was the man who got the equaliser, one of two starters in the squad who are looking to complete a sensational double following their European Championships triumph with the senior team last month.
The last time the Spaniards topped the Olympic podium was on home soil at Barcelona 1992.
On the contrary, France has only ever been in the final twice before this. The host nation had to overcome a well-drilled Egypt side to guarantee themselves a medal in front of a vociferous home crowd, winning 3-1 after extra-time.
Jean-Philippe Mateta was the man of the hour, equalising just before the final whistle and then firing France ahead in extra-time before Michael Olise sealed the victory with the third of the night.
It will mark just the third time in their history that the French have contested for the gold medal, winning once before at LA 1984.
In 37 meetings between the two international teams, Spain have the most wins, with 17; France have 13, with seven draws.
While the Euro 2024 champions have the chance to truly make their mark on international football this summer – including their women’s team, who are in the semi-finals in their tournament here in Paris – there is no better stage for France than this.
Just one win from immortality, to be remembered as the players who delivered when it mattered, on home soil.
It simply does not get much bigger than this in Olympic football.