Spain Secures Spot in Olympic Men's Soccer Final with 2-1 Victory Over Morocco
Griffith Sarah
Monday, August 5, 2024
Morocco vs. Spain: A high-stakes showdown that saw Spain clinch a 2-1 victory to reach their fifth Olympic men's soccer final
MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Spain's men's soccer team triumphed over Morocco with a 2-1 win on Monday, advancing to their second consecutive Olympic final and their fifth overall. The decisive moment came when Juanlu Sanchez, who entered the game as a substitute, scored in the 85th minute at Stade de Marseille.
Sanchez's late goal secured Spain's place in the final against either France or Egypt at the Paris Games. Reflecting on his crucial contribution, Sanchez expressed his joy:
“The moment passed so fast that I didn’t even realize it, but then when you realized that you scored the goal that puts your team in the final, well, I’m really happy.”
Morocco initially took the lead in the 37th minute, thanks to a penalty converted by Soufiane Rahimi, the tournament’s leading scorer. Spain equalized in the 65th minute when Fermin Lopez showcased his skills with a quick-footed maneuver in the box, delivering a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner. Lopez continued to shine, providing the assist for Sanchez's winning goal.
Lopez commented on the match's turning point:
“I think that my goal changed a bit the match, and I think it was a great match for the whole team and we deserved it. And here we are.”
Spain, who previously won gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, seeks to avenge their loss to Brazil in the final of the Tokyo Games three years ago.
As the anticipation builds for the upcoming final, Spain's journey underscores their consistent prowess and determination in Olympic men's soccer.
