The Summer Olympics is a major tournament between countries of the world and it happens every 4 years. Focusing on football; Olympics is basically organized for the under-23 of the national team. This is to engage youngsters in international tournaments and reduce fatigue for players.
Dating back to the very first Olympics in 1900. The Great Britain faced off France in Paris and defeated France. 12 years into the tournament’s kick off, Great Britain won it thrice, defeating France (in 1900) and Denmark (in 1904 & 1908). The Great Britain then was the union of Kingdom of England and Kingdom of Scotland.
Moving forward to an unforgettable tournament in 2012. Mexico U23 beat Brazil U23 with the scoreline 1-2 in the final despite both going unbeaten(Brazil had 100% matches won throughout the tournament, scoring 3 goals in all matches before the final game).
Then, in 2016. Brazil were in the final again, but against Germany and defeated them on penalties. Africa’s giant; Nigeria; who won the Olympics in 1996 defeating Argentina at Atlanta, won the bronze medal in 2016.
Surprisingly, Brazil won the Summer Olympics again in 2020 and scoring a decisive goal at the beginning of extra time’s second half against Spain.
Malcom converted a pass from Antony to give them the lead and it was enough to get them the win. Brazil would have been pained if they had lost, because Richarlison missed a spot kick(penalty) in the first half of regular time.
Now, this year’s Olympic has been greatly entertaining with Morocco getting to Semi-Finals only to be defeated by Spain. In a busy atmosphere of Paris, France will be taking on Spain in the final after defeating Egypt in the semi final scoring two goals at the extra time.
France and Spain has been impressive thus far. According to Statistics, France is unbeaten in all matches while Spain has lost one match and it came against Egypt where they trailed 1-2. The same Egypt had to make France fight for the final spot after getting a player sent off and conceding two goals from the new Bayern signing – Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Nonetheless, if Spain’s Lopez and France’s Mateta are unable to score 2 or more goals in the final (provided Morocco’s Souflane Rahimi doesn’t score against Egypt; in the third place match). Morocco’s Rahimi will be named the sole highest goal scorer with 6 goals.
With the tournament being hosted in Paris, do you think France will be able to leverage on that? Spain wants to win it as much as France also. All focus on Friday, 9th August, 2024 at Parc de Princes, Paris France at 5:00pm (GMT +1).
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.
