Gold medal games set for 2024 Olympic football tournaments

Jean-Philippe Mateta (YouTube)

We know what teams will play in the gold medal games in football at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. On the men’s side, Spain will play France in an all-European battle. On the women’s side, the United States will play Brazil in an all-Americas battle.

Before we analyze the two tournaments, remember that the men’s football event is an under-23 team event, while there are no age restrictions in the women’s football competition. That said, all men’s teams are allowed three over-aged players.

In men’s soccer, one of the over-aged players shined for France on Monday. Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, who is 27 years of age, scored twice in France’s 3-1 win over Egypt in semifinal action. The other French goal scorer was Michael Olise of Bayern Munich. He is eligible to represent France because his mother is French-Algerian. Olise could also represent England because he is born in London, and Nigeria, as that is where his father is from.

In the other semifinal, Spain defeated Morocco 2-1 on goals by FC Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez and Sevilla winger Juanlu. The winner of the bronze medal game between Egypt and Morocco will make history. Neither nation has ever won a team medal in the history of the Olympic Games.

In women’s soccer, the United States and Brazil won their final four games on Tuesday. In the semifinals, the United States beat Germany 1-0 on a goal in the 95th minute on a goal by Sophia Smith of Windsor, Colorado. Meanwhile, Brazil beat Spain 4-2 in the other semifinal.