Why American fans should care about the 2025 Club World Cup

As USMNT boss, Pochettino opens doors for Latino players, fans

Vinícius Júnior’s imperfect conception

The best players, coaches & teams of the 21st century - ranked

The 25 best USMNT players of the 21st century - ranked

CR7 sends emotional message as Portugal co-host World Cup

Ronaldo would 'never' go to Arsenal after rejecting huge teams 

Pep clashes with Gundogan after damaging Juve defeat

Man Utd urged to sign USMNT star capable of 'transforming' team 

City savaged after Haaland & three other players miss penalties with NO 'keeper

Man City's FFP blow: PL could be encouraged by UEFA revelation

Vini Jr has secret business meeting with Pique

FC Astana vs Chelsea: Stream, TV channels & where to watch

Article continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script>Article continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Spain win Olympics thriller</li><li>Fermin Lopez stars for Spain</li><li>Disappointment for Thierry Henry</li></ul>

Spain are Olympic champions: La Roja avoid remarkable collapse against France to complete golden summer with 5-3 win, spoil party for Thierry Henry

The gold medal match got off to an exhilarating start with four goals in the opening 28 minutes. Enzo Millot's effort somehow made its way past a sorry Arnau Tenas but Fermin Lopez scored twice in seven minutes - his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament - to turn the game on its head, and Alex Baena made it 3-1 with a sublime free-kick.France were better in the second half and forced three impressive stops from Tenas. They eventually found a way through when Maghnes Akliouche turned home Michael Olise's free-kick in the 78th minute, setting up a tense finish inside the Parc des Princes.And the hosts completed the most remarkable comeback when Benat Turrientes brought down Arnaud Kalimuendo inside the penalty area in the 89th minute. Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta looked like the calmest person in the stadium as he dispatched the penalty to send the final to extra-time.The momentum was with France, so it came as a shock to those inside the stadium when Rayo Vallecano's Sergio Camello made it 4-3 to Spain in the first half of extra-time with a wonderfully composed finish. This time, France were unable to find a way back into the game - indeed, Camello made it 5-3 in the 121st minute to add the cherry on top for Spain - and they will leave with a silver medal.

TELL ME MORE

This era of Spanish football has been nothing short of dominant. They are now the current holders in the men's Euros, women's World Cup, men's Nations League, women's Nations League, under-19 men's Euros, under-19 women's Euros, and men's Olympics.

DID YOU KNOW? 

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez has been a class above throughout the Olympics and he stepped up when Spain needed him in the gold medal match. The 21-year-old displayed great movement for both of his goals, creeping into the box unnoticed to make it 1-1 and then reacting quickly to put Spain ahead. This was a coming of age tournament for the young midfielder, who has a seriously bright future ahead.

THE MVP 

Spain exploited France's lack of width time and time again in the first half and it was obvious that something needed to change after Baena scored Spain's third. Yet Thierry Henry didn't make any personnel changes at half-time and France's struggles out of possession continued, with Santi Denia's Spain still able to find space and pick their passes. Given the way his side dominated in the second half, Henry will have major regrets about his approach for this one. They showed Spain too much respect in the opening 45 minutes and should have made the most of their momentum - and the home crowd - after making it 3-3.

THE BIG LOSER

The players' attentions will now turn to their clubs and the start of the 2024-25 season, but they'll be hoping they've done enough to earn a call-up to their senior squads for the Nations League, which gets underway in September. Spain are the defending champions.

WHAT COMES NEXT? 

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spain are Olympic champions! La Roja avoid remarkable collapse against France to complete golden summer with 5-3 win as Fermin Lopez, Alex Baena and super-sub Sergio Camello spoil the party for Thierry Henry | Goal.com US

Spain have continued their extraordinary run of success on the international stage by beating hosts France 5-3 to claim gold at the Olympics.