Men’s football has never been the most well-loved Olympic event, with the disparity of the games with other major football competitions well documented. But the significance of a Gold medal is undeniable and the worst-reviewed Olympic show in town has served up a final showdown well worth tuning in for.
France welcome Spain to Paris in an effort to take a slice of some of their neighbour’s allergy to winning across just about every age group. With Thierry Henry at the helm, a young Les Bleus can take a jab back at the Spanish - who beat them to a place in the European Championship final in July.
They might have found their way to the Gold medal match, but the French began far from what their glamorous outer shell promised punters.
Three late goals were required to overcome the USA in an opening slugfest. An ugly 1-0 victory over Guinea piled on doubts about the group’s ability to see out top nations.
France have conceded just a single goal over five games, but finally began to let their hands go as they grew into the tournament – just a final hurdle to breach for homecoming glory.
It wasn’t exactly a red carpet welcoming for Spain either, La Roja kicked off by going behind to Olympic new boys Uzbekistan, it was quickly turned around but a warning sign for the tournament favourites.
In their run to the final Spain have fallen behind in all but one of their matches — a 3-0 quarter-final win over Japan.
Much like in Euro 2024, Spain have shown a knack for doing things the hard way - their style of play punishing them before they can punish the opponent. Yet, Santi’s men come away looking like the better team, with progression promised.
An impenetrable French wall is a tougher test for the tournament entertainers, falling behind would be a risk but with so much experience in coming from behind, you would be wrong to write off Spain should Les Bleus take an early lead on Friday.
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Team news
There are no apparent injury issues troubling Thierry Henry ahead of the Golden final.
The French coach does have the option of recalling Enzo Millot to the starting eleven after the midfielder was sent off for involvement in unsavoury full-time scenes against Argentina.
After eleven changes anchored Spain to second in Group D, Santi has found a favourite selection - remaining unchanged in two knockout wins over Japan and Morocco.
Santi's effective triple substitution was made minutes before Fermín López's equaliser on Monday, so it is possible we could see the involvement of full-back Miguel Gutiérrez or game winner Juanlu Sanchez.
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Likely lineups
Restes; Sildillia, Badé, Lukeba, Truffet; Akilouche, Diouf, Chotard, Olise; Mateta, Lacazette
Tenas; Miranda, Cubarsí, Garcia, Pubill; Baena, Barrios; Gomez, López, Oroz; Ruiz
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Key players
France - Jean-Phillipe Mateta
Still awaiting a first cap for the French first team, Mateta has certainly not done himself a disservice with his showings in his home tournament.
Four goals and France's top scorer, the Crystal Palace striker is making waves in his first matches for his nation in nearly five years - a capable partner but Alexandre Lacazette has been thoroughly outshone by the 27-year-old.
Spain - Fermín López
It's an impressive feat: leaving a European Championship winning squad to imminently enter a demanding Olympic tournament - but Fermín López looks better for it.
The Blaugrana midfielder has shone at the core of La Roja. Desperate for every forward move to find his feet one way or another. Moreover, the 21-year-old has proved a natural goalscorer for his nation, several show-reel strikes helping them to the final in style.
Starring performances and a Euro 2024 winners medal has López looking soundly out of place in a U23s tournament, despite fitting well within the age bracket.
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Match details
Where is the match being played?
Friday's final will take place at PSG's Parc des Princes.
What time is kick-off?
The match is set to get underway at 17:00 (BST)
Where can I watch?
The final will be broadcast on Eurosport 5 and the Discovery+ digital app.
