After coasting through their first seven games at the Beijing Olympics, the USA were finally tested in the gold medal match as things went down to the wire before the Americans managed to secure a 118-107 victory over Spain on this day seven years ago.

The United States never trailed in the second half but a 3-pointer from Rudy Fernandez had helped Spain cut their deficit to a mere two points with 8:13 to go.

The Americans did not officially put Spain away until Dwyane Wade drilled a 3-pointer with 2:02 remaining.

After a disappointing bronze in Athens four years earlier, the USA’s ‘Redeem Team’ successfully got their gold back.

Other memorable events on this day…

1957: Jimmy Greaves makes his First Division debut, aged 17, he scored for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw with Tottenham.

1958: Representing the Soviet Union, Sergei Popov wins the European Championship marathon in Stockholm in a world record 2:15:17.

1963: In Florida, American pole vaulter John Pennel becomes the first-ever to clear 17 feet.

2003: Fernando Alonso becomes F1’s youngest winner after clinching his maiden grand prix victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix aged 22.