On May 25, 1924, the Paris 1924 Olympic Games kicked off with football competitions. While most of the events took place between June and July, two disciplines began in May. The first sport to contest for a medal was Rugby Union, with the competition held between May 4-18. The USA emerged victorious, beating the hosts to win gold.
Looking back a century ago to that date, football was celebrating its sixth year as an Olympic sport on May 25, 1924. In Stade Olympique in Colombes, Italy faced off against Spain in a tense match. In the 84th minute, Spain’s Pedro Vallana scored an own goal, leading to Italy’s victory.
Czechoslovakia defeated Türkiye 5-2 at Stade Bergeyre in Paris in other games from the opening round of fixtures. Switzerland beat Lithuania 9-0 at Stade Pershing in Vincennes while United States defeated Estonia 1-0 at Stade Pershing in Vincennes. Uruguay went on to win gold by defeating Switzerland 3-0 in the final on June 9. Sweden also performed well by winning the bronze medal after beating Netherlands 3-1 in a play-off across two legs following an initial 1-1 draw.
