Lamine Yamal Shines as Spain Defeats France to Reach Euro 2024 Final
Spain, trailing after Randal Kolo Muani’s header from a Kylian Mbappe cross in the ninth minute, turned the game around with two quick goals, overcoming a French side that had conceded only once in the tournament prior.
Yamal, who will turn 17 a day before Sunday’s final against either the Netherlands or England in Berlin, equalized with a stunning strike from outside the box. His long-range effort curled into the top corner, leaving French goalkeeper Mike Maignan no chance.
Spain took the lead in the 25th minute when Dani Olmo capitalized on a loose ball, firing a low shot that deflected off Jules Kounde and into the net.
After taking the lead, Spain showcased their mastery of midfield control, maintaining possession and managing the game to secure the victory.
With this win, Spain became the first team to win six games in a single European Championship and are now one match away from a record-breaking fourth title.
Despite their attacking talent, France struggled to find their rhythm upfront. They had only scored three goals in the tournament, none from open play by a French player, prompting coach Didier Deschamps to bench Antoine Griezmann in favor of Ousmane Dembele.
Yamal set the tone early, creating the first chance of the match with a curling cross to Fabian Ruiz, who missed from close range. Shortly after, Mbappe replicated Yamal’s delivery, leading to Kolo Muani’s goal.
Pre-match concerns centered on Spain's veteran defenders, Jesus Navas and Nacho, but it was the younger duo of Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella who were caught out for France's opener.
France’s goal initially seemed to unsettle Spain, but Yamal’s moment of brilliance soon restored parity. Receiving the ball well outside the box, he cut inside and unleashed a perfect curling shot into the top corner.
Yamal’s goal, which came 13 minutes after France’s, not only leveled the score but also made him the youngest scorer in the competition's history, surpassing the previous record by a year and a half.
Four minutes later, Olmo’s acrobatic effort, aided by a deflection off Kounde, put Spain ahead. France had a late opportunity to equalize, but Mbappe’s shot soared over the bar with only goalkeeper Unai Simon to beat.
As Spain prepares for the final, they aim to secure their fourth European Championship title, continuing their tradition of excellence in the tournament.
SportsLigue