In a thrilling match between Spain and France at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it took extra-time and a VAR review for France to come out on top and earn the gold medal in men's football. This marks only the second time an Olympic football final has gone to penalties, with Spain being on the unfortunate end of the result once again. France's Jean-Philippe Mateta was the hero of the match, scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot. Don't miss the full match highlights and reactions from fans and players!
Spain vs. France: A Thrilling Olympic Final in Paris 2024
In a captivating match that will be remembered for years to come, Spain and France faced off for the gold medal in men's football at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The match lived up to the hype, with both teams showcasing their exceptional talent and determination.
A Hard-Fought Battle
From the opening whistle, the two sides traded blows, with neither team gaining a significant advantage. Spain controlled possession for much of the first half, but France created the more dangerous chances. Kylian Mbappé and Karim Benzema both had opportunities to put France ahead, but they were denied by some brilliant saves from Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simón.
In the second half, Spain continued to dominate the ball, but France defended resolutely and remained a threat on the counterattack. As the match wore on, both teams grew tired. The game went into extra time, and the tension mounted with each passing minute.
Extra Time and VAR Drama
In extra time, Spain came close to scoring a winning goal. Dani Olmo hit the post from close range, and Pedri had a shot saved by the French goalkeeper, Illan Meslier. However, it was France who would eventually break the deadlock. In the 118th minute, Kingsley Coman was brought down in the penalty area by Spain's Pau Torres.
After a lengthy VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to France. Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up to take the spot-kick and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. Spain threw everything forward in the dying minutes, but they could not find an equalizer.
France Triumphs
With the final whistle, France erupted in celebration. They had defeated Spain 1-0 to win their first Olympic gold medal in men's football since 1984. Spain, meanwhile, were left to rue their missed opportunities. It was the second time in a row that they had lost an Olympic football final on penalties.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who scored the winning goal for France? Answer: Jean-Philippe Mateta
2. How long did the match go into extra time? Answer: 30 minutes
3. Which player hit the post for Spain in extra time? Answer: Dani Olmo
4. Who was named the Man of the Match? Answer: Kingsley Coman
5. What was the last time France won an Olympic gold medal in men's football? Answer: 1984
Former Arsenal and England player Alan Smith has warned Ivan Toney that his England career may be over after the striker's move to the Saudi Pro League for a money-spinning deal worth more than £400,000-a-week. Toney, who had been hoping for a call-up for the national squad, was left out of the team's first games after his move. Smith believes Toney may never add to his six international caps following his move, and while it may be a financially rewarding decision, it may also signal the end of his prime as a player.
Para-athlete Navdeep Singh's silver medal was upgraded to gold after Iran's Beit Sayah Sadegh was disqualified in the men's javelin throw F41 final. India has achieved its best-ever return from the Para Games with Navdeep's gold and Simran Sharma's bronze in the women's 200m T12 race. Shot-putter Hokato Sema also secured a bronze in the men's F57 category final with a career-best throw. Fans celebrated the para-athletes' arrival at the Delhi airport with flower showers.
Nitish Reddy's incredible diving catch dismissed Mayank Agarwal and gave India B the initial breakthrough against India A in the final day of the Duleep Trophy opener. With Yash Dayal and Navdeep Saini picking up wickets in the morning session, India B is looking to secure all six points. However, the four-wicket collapse of India A has put them in danger of suffering a loss. The senior stars are in need of a big partnership to avoid a potential defeat in the final hours of the match.
Meet Shubman Gill, India's cricketing prodigy who has been setting new records and making waves in the sport at just 25 years of age. From his debut in the U-19 World Cup to becoming the captain of India C, Gill has been consistently delivering top performances. And now, with his impressive Test debut at the iconic MCG, he has truly cemented his place as a future cricket legend.
India's Navdeep Singh has won the gold medal in the men's javelin F41 category at the Paris Paralympics after initial winner Sadegh Beit Sayah of Iran was disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag. This marks India's first-ever gold in the category and a personal best for Navdeep, who had previously finished fourth at the Tokyo Games. He beat out China's world record holder with a 47.32m throw to claim the top spot.
Shubman Gill, the young and talented cricketer, turns 25 today and his achievements in the sport are already making waves. From his consistent performances in international cricket to his memorable stints in the IPL, Gill has been showing immense potential as a top-order batsman. As he celebrates his birthday, let's take a look at his top 10 performances that have made him a key player in the Indian team.
The media is buzzing after interim dual-national England football manager Lee Carsley's comments about not singing the national anthem. In a press conference, Sir Keir Starmer was asked about Carsley's stance, causing backlash from the public. Having played for both England and Ireland, the Birmingham-born defensive midfielder's patriotism is being questioned as he prepares for his first match in charge.
In a thrilling college football game, Alabama's comeback in the fourth quarter secured a victory over South Florida after a tough start to the game. Meanwhile, in women's college basketball news, Angel Reese's record-setting rookie season has come to an unexpected end after only two weeks due to injury.
Australia cruised to victory in the third and final T20I against Scotland, completing a series cleansweep with a 70-run win. Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh led the Australian charge, setting a record-breaking powerplay total and smashing 155 runs in just 58 balls. In the second match, Josh Inglis stole the show with a quick-fire century, leaving Scotland reeling. With the third match fast approaching, Scotland will need to find a way to halt Australia's powerful batting lineup if they want to avoid a humiliating series defeat. Fans can catch all the action live on ABP Live.
After initially winning silver, Navdeep Singh was awarded India's first-ever gold medal in the men's javelin F41 category at the Paris Paralympics. This was a result of Iran's Sadegh Beit Sayah being disqualified for repeatedly displaying an objectionable flag during the competition. Navdeep, who competes in the classification meant for athletes of short stature, produced a personal best effort of 47.32m to claim the top position.