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2024.07.10 13:48 GMT+8

Spain beat France on Yamal's career night to reach Euro 2024 final

Updated 2024.07.10 13:48 GMT+8
Sports Scene

Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates after scoring a goal in the Euro 2024 semifinals against France in Berlin, Germany, July 9, 2024. /CFP

Spain reached the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 victory over France on Tuesday when 16-year-old Lamine Yamal became the youngest-ever scorer at the tournament.

France took an early lead when Randal Kolo Muani headed in a cross from Kylian Mbappe, who played without a mask, before Yamal's moment of brilliance in the 21st minute. Dani Olmo scored what was to prove the winner four minutes later.

"We were in a difficult stretch after not expecting to concede so early. I just took the ball and wanted to put it right there. I am very happy," Yamal said. "I don't try to think about it too much, just enjoy myself and help the team, and if it goes my way, then I am happy (for the goal) and for the win."

Spain, which are chasing a record fourth Euros title, will play England or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday in Berlin.

"We knew they were a great team, and they proved it again tonight," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "Even though we were fortunate to open the scoring, Spain made things difficult for us. They were superior in terms of control and technique. The team that gave the best impression was Spain. So they deserve to win tonight."

There was surprise in Munich when Mbappe took to the field without the mask he has been wearing since getting his nose broken in France's opening group game at Euro 2024.

Mbappe had been complaining the mask was impeding him, and ditching it appeared to have an immediate effect as he created the game's opening goal in the ninth minute with a tantalizing cross to the back post that was headed in by Kolo Muani.

That was the first goal France had scored at Euro 2024 that wasn't a penalty or an own-goal. Fortunately for "Les Bleus" they had also been exceptional at the back, allowing just one goal, a retaken penalty by Poland's Robert Lewandowski in the group stage.

However, there was no stopping Yamal's stunning equalizer in the 21st minute as he became the youngest player ever to score in the Euros when he curled the ball past Mike Maignan and in off the left post from 25 yards.

And Spain turned the game around completely four minutes later when Olmo's goalbound-shot was turned into his own net by France defender Jules Kounde. It was originally adjudged by UEFA to have been an own-goal but was later awarded to Olmo.

"We are very close, just one more step to go. It is incredible what the team is doing. We deserve to be in the final, one step from glory," Olmo said. "Whether it is my goal, or Kounde's, it doesn't matter. A goal is a goal. The important thing is that we are in the final."

France dominated possession in the second half but couldn't make it count. Theo Hernandez should have done better when he blazed a good chance over the bar late on, and Mbappé did similar with four minutes remaining.

Spain could have been further ahead between those chances as another powerful strike from Yamal flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Source(s): AP
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