Juanlu Sanchez’s 2-1 comeback victory over Morocco on Monday guaranteed Spain a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics final.
Fermin Lopez levelled the score in the second half after Soufiane Rahimi’s penalty had given the Atlas Lions the advantage in the first.
Fermin got off to a strong start for Spain, putting Munir Mohamedi to the test with a long-range strike before scurrying in behind to drag an effort just wide of the far post.
Soon after, Spain was trailing – Pablo Barrios tackled Amir Richardson high in the area, catching him on the back of the calf. Rahimi scored quickly to put Morocco ahead.
La Roja controlled the second half as they attempted to equalise, and after 66 minutes, Fermin pulled them level by dodging his defender and tucking his low shot into the bottom-right corner.
Moments later, much to his annoyance, Richardson came dangerously close to giving Morocco the lead again, but his first-time effort veered wide of the near post and away from goal.
Then, from a tight angle, substitute Sanchez completed the comeback for Spain, his shot going in off the inside of the far post.
With two strong attempts, Abde Ezzalzouli and Richardson gave Arnau Tenas a late scare in goal, but fortunately for the keeper, they were unable to find the target.
Fermin appeared to be the difference for La Roja, and he did, even in the first half when Spain found it difficult to have an effect.
He is the youngest player to score and assist in a men’s Olympic tournament knockout stage since Neymar against Honduras in 2012 (20y 181d), at the age of 21 years and 86 days.
In Friday’s marquee match, Santiago Sanchez will be looking to light the spark once more.
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