In front of boisterous spectators at the Paris Games, the U.S. women’s team earned a record-extending fifth title and their first since London 2012. Meanwhile, Spain’s men added their first Olympic soccer gold medal in 32 years to their magnificent trophy cabinet.
Spain’s under-23 team had a fantastic summer by winning the title in an intense match against hosts France that they won 5-3 after extra time at Parc des Princes. The team had just finished winning the European Championship with their men’s senior and under-19 teams.
Spain achieved a first in a team sport in 28 years and their first Olympic gold in soccer since the 1992 Barcelona Games with the victory.
Coach Santi Denia stated, “We had a dream; this gold is the best that an athlete can aspire to.” “An Olympic gold is the greatest; you can see how beautiful it is and the tears it brings.”
Despite failing to end France’s 40-year Olympic title drought, coach Thierry Henry said he was proud of their silver medal.
Morocco earned its first-ever medal in a team sport, taking home the bronze after thrashing Egypt 6-0.
A drone surveillance controversy rocked Canada’s campaign at the start of the women’s competition, costing the team six points and coach Bev Priestman a yearlong FIFA ban.
The Tokyo gold medalists advanced to the knockout stage despite falling to Germany in the tournament’s quarterfinals, which were primarily controlled by undefeated American women.
In the gold medal decider, the Americans defeated Brazil 1-0 to secure their third win against the South Americans.
Despite having only started in May, Emma Hayes, the coach of the United States, has exceeded expectations as her side has defeated Germany and Japan in extra time in previous rounds.
“It was a perfect storm, in perfect timing. Winning is in my DNA, and so is the U.S. national team’s,” former Chelsea coach Hayes said after the final.
Leading scorer and six-time Olympian Marta will retire from international football this year, but Brazil was unable to give him a proper sendoff.
Nevertheless, they had an incredible tournament, defeating hosts France in the quarterfinals and Spain in the semifinals after entering the knockout stage as one of the second-best third-place teams.
Germany defeated world champions Spain in the third-place match, ending their hopes of winning a medal. With their fourth bronze, the Germans honored their coach Horst Hrubesch, who resigned from his position following the competition.
