Lauren has followed in the (very large) footsteps of Kanu by winning Olympic gold - as Cameroon beat Spain on penalties, to become the second African side in succession to win the title, take the first gold medal in the nation's history.

Spain took a very early lead, from a free-kick by Barca's Xavi after only 2 minutes. Soon after it looked set to be 2-0 - with a penalty being given against Lauren, although the foul seemed outside the box. But Cameroon's 16-year-old keeper Kameni saved the spot kick, and justice was done.

Just before the break, Spain extended their lead through Gabri. But Cameroon came out of the half-time interval fired up, and got one back after 53, through Mboma - although the deflection helped a bit. And five minutes later it was level, Mboma finding Etoo in the area for a close-range blast.

Spain managed to lose two players in the final 20 minutes of normal time, and the game inevitably closed down, with the Spaniards looking to a penalty shootout.

Lauren, still defying the Highbury Curse from Twelve Yards, scored his spot kick - and the Indomitable Lions won it when Wome of Bologna blasted his effort low and hard past Aranzubia.

They'll be dancing in the streets of Yaoundé, Arseweb imagines.