Spain could do the double by winning the Olympics immediately after winning the Euros and are just one step away from achieving that. La Roja take on France in the finals of the tournament in Paris as they look to win the Gold medal.
One player who could achieve the envious feat of winning both the Euros and the Olympics in the same year is Barcelona youngster Fermin Lopez. The 21-year-old might not have featured much in the Euros but he has been the protagonist in Paris.
Spain faced the impressive Morocco in the semifinals in a game which they won 2-1, thanks to goals from Fermin Lopez and Juanlu. Despite trailing for almost an hour in the game, they found a way to come back to make it to their second successive Olympics final.
As per SPORT, it was not just Fermin Lopez who caught the eye in the semifinals against Morocco with his goal and the assist for Juanlu. Barcelona players Pau Cubarsi and Eric Garcia marshaled the backline expertly to keep an enthusiastic Moroccan attack at arm’s length.
Fermin dazzled throughout the game even before he scored his fourth goal of the Olympics. He had a couple of chances to get on the scoresheet even before halftime which was saved by Moroccan goalkeeper Munir and he blazed one over the bar.
Despite the 21-year-old being the star of the tournament, two players who have gone under the radar with their performances are Cubarsi and Garcia. The centre-back duo have been solid throughout this tournament which bodes well for Barcelona.
With Ronald Araujo’s injury, a spot has opened up in the defense at least until January and it is there for Eric Garcia’s taking. The 23-year-old has followed up an exceptional season with Girona with a solid Olympics campaign until now and will be hoping to bring his form back to Barca.
Cubarsi meanwhile is on the top of the world at just 17. He looks set to be the future of the Barcelona backline for years to come. The world is his oyster and how far he goes is dependent on him.
What do you say about Fermin though? He has exploded in the #10 role for Spain and looks like a player born to play in Hansi Flick’s system. This year might be the actual breakthrough season for the ex-Linares star. Let’s hope all three can continue their good form in the finals and come back to Barcelona as Olympic Gold medallists.
