SPAIN and hosts France will face each other in the final of the men’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics after the European teams defeated Africa’s Morocco and Egypt in the semi-finals tonight.
Spain came from behind and scored a late winner to edge past Morocco 2-1 in the first semi-final, while France needed extra-time to beat Egypt 3-1.
Tournament top scorer Soufiane Rahimi converted a 37th minute penalty for his sixth goal to hand Morocco the lead going into half-time.
Favourites Spain responded after the break, Fermin Lopez pulling them level in the 66th minute and substitute Juanlu Sanchez netting the winner five minutes from time.
In the second semi-final in Lyon, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta struck twice to send Thierry Henry’s side through.
France looked to be heading for defeat in their semi-final after Mahmoud Saber put Egypt ahead against the run of play just after the hour mark.
But Mateta equalised with seven minutes left on the clock to force extra time, in which he headed France in front after Egypt’s Omar Fayed was sent off.
Michael Olise, the France forward with Nigerian heritage, then sealed the win in the 18th minute of extra-time and France, looking for their second Olympic men’s football gold medal and first since 1984, will now face Spain at the Parc des Princes in Paris on Friday.
Egypt and Morocco will battle for bronze and a chance to emulate Nigeria’s 2016 feat on Thursday in Nantes.
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