France v Spain: Olympic men’s football final – live | Soccer

Spain have won gold in the men’s football just once, in Barcelona in 1992. A star-studded team – Pep, Albert Ferrer, Kiko, Abelardo, Alfonso, Luis Enrique – beat Poland 3-2 in a classic final.

Read Jonathan Liew on Thierry Henry

For all the abundant talent in this French side – Michael Olise, Mateta, Alexandre Lacazette – it is Henry who lends the star wattage to Friday’s Olympic final against Spain, gives it shape and meaning. As a player Henry won everything. As a coach he has won nothing, to the point where it was legitimate to ask whether he had a future in a career for which he clearly had so much passion and enthusiasm.

Two changes for France, both in midfield. Thierry Henry brings back Manu Kone and Enzo Millot, who were both suspended for the semi-final, in place of Maghnes Akliouche and Andy Diouf.

Spain are unchanged.

France (possible 4-3-1-2) Restes; Sildillia, Bade, Lukeba, Truffert; Millot, Kone, Chottard; Olise; Mateta, Lacazette.
Substitutes: Nkambadio, Akliouche, Cherki, Doue, Kalimuendo, Locko, Magassa.

Spain (possible 4-2-3-1) Tenas; Pubill, E Garcia, Cubarsi, Miranda; Barrios, Baena; Oroz, Lopez, Gomez; Ruiz.
Substitutes: S Garcia, Bernabe, Camello, Gutierrez, Pacheco, Sanchez, Turrientes.

Referee Rafael da Silva Alves (Brazil)

Hello, good evening and welcome to live coverage of the gold medal match between France and Spain in Paris. Styles make fights, and so do narratives. It’ll be a cracking story whoever wins tonight. it’ll be a great story. France are the hosts and haven’t won gold since 1984; Spain can complete an aestas mirabilis* by adding the Olympics to the European Championship and the under-19 Euros.

Kick off 5pm BST, 6pm in Paris.

* If that’s wrong take it up with Google Translate.