In a thrilling match in Munich on Tuesday, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in tournament history as Spain rallied to defeat France 2-1, securing a spot in the Euro 2024 final.
France took an early lead when Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe in the ninth minute. However, Spain turned the game around in just four minutes, scoring twice against a French team that had only conceded once in their previous five matches.
Yamal, who will turn 17 the day before Sunday's final against either the Netherlands or England, equalized with a stunning long-range strike, curling the ball into the top corner beyond the reach of Mike Maignan. Spain then took the lead in the 25th minute when Dani Olmo capitalized on a loose ball and fired a low shot that deflected off Jules Kounde and into the net.
"I got the ball, didn't think about it for too long and just shot," Yamal said of his goal. "I'm just enjoying myself and I'm proud to be in the final."
Three-time champions Spain became the first team to win six games at a single Euros and are now one match away from a record-breaking fourth title. "We are one step away from glory," Olmo told ZDF. "We are very, very close. This team is unbelievable. We deserve it."
This weekend's final in Berlin will be Spain's first appearance in a major tournament final since they defeated Italy 4-0 in the Euro 2012 final. Spain's mastery of midfield game management was evident as they controlled the match after taking the lead, holding possession rather than counter-attacking and securing the win.
France coach Didier Deschamps acknowledged Spain's superiority. "They're a very good team, we knew that, they proved it tonight even if we were able to open the scoring," he said. "They created difficulties for us as they controlled the game better than us, even if we kept going until the end."
Despite being finalists in three of the past four major tournaments, questions will be raised about France's inability to effectively utilize their attacking talent. Mbappe, who had struggled throughout the tournament, failed to make a significant impact and remains with just one goal in nine Euro appearances.
France's early strike came after Deschamps benched forward Antoine Griezmann in favor of Ousmane Dembele. Four minutes into the match, Yamal set up a chance for Fabian Ruiz, who missed from close range. Four minutes later, Mbappe's cross found Kolo Muani, who headed in the opening goal.
Spain's defense, particularly Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella, was criticized for their role in Kolo Muani's goal. However, Yamal's brilliant equalizer twelve minutes later rejuvenated Spain. Collecting the ball outside the box, Yamal cut inside and unleashed a perfect curling shot into the top corner, becoming the youngest scorer in Euro history.
Olmo's acrobatic effort four minutes later gave Spain the lead, his shot deflecting off Kounde and into the net. France's best chance to equalize came five minutes from time, but Mbappe missed the target with only goalkeeper Unai Simon to beat.
Spain now looks forward to the final, aiming to add another Euro title to their storied history.
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