Spain sneaks past Morocco, 2-1, into men's soccer final

Field Level Media|published: Mon 5th August, 14:37 2024

Jul 23, 2024, Paris, France; A general overall view of the Olympic rings logo at Parc des Princes. The stadium is the home of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and a soccer venue for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

PARIS -- Spain reached successive Olympic men's soccer finals, beating Morocco 2-1 behind second-half goals from Fermin Lopez and Juanlu Sanchez at Marseille Stadium on Monday.

Spain fought back after Morocco went ahead to earn the chance to improve on their silver medal at the Tokyo Games.

France or Egypt, who play later Monday, await in Friday's final at the Parc des Princes.

Morocco opened the scoring in the 37th minute when the tournament's top scorer Soufiane Rahimi converted a penalty for his sixth Olympic goal following a Pablo Barrios foul.

The 28-year-old Al Ain striker has netted for Morocco in every match at the Games.

Spain were more dangerous after the break and equalized in the 66th minute when Barcelona's Lopez pounced on some sloppy defending by Morocco to steal the ball in the box and strike home.

Substitute Sanchez earned the Spaniards the lead five minutes from time after a fine team move from the right and a low shot from a tight angle.

Morocco came close to leveling in stoppage time but were denied and will play for the bronze medal in Nantes on Thursday.

--Reuters, Special to Field Level Media