Munich (AP) — Spain delivered a compelling performance to overcome pre-tournament favorites France in a thrilling Euro 2024 semi-final clash, securing a 2-1 victory and a coveted spot in the final. Following the match on Tuesday, Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, issued a warning to potential final opponents England or the Netherlands, emphasizing his team’s capacity for further improvement.
The semi-final saw Spain advance to the European Championship decider, marked by a historic moment from 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who etched his name into the record books as the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history.
France initially seized the advantage when Randal Kolo Muani headed home a precise cross from Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé notably played without the protective mask he had previously worn. However, Yamal responded emphatically for Spain in the 21st minute with a moment of brilliance, followed swiftly by Dani Olmo’s decisive goal just four minutes later.
“We faced a tough period after conceding an early goal against expectations. I just grabbed the ball, determined to make an impact. I am incredibly happy,” Yamal expressed post-match. “I’m trying not to overthink, simply enjoy the game and support my team. Scoring and winning makes me very happy.”
Spain, aiming for a record-extending fourth European Championship title, is now set to face either England or the Netherlands in the final showdown on Sunday in Berlin. The final will occur just a day after Yamal celebrates his 17th birthday.
France’s coach, Didier Deschamps, acknowledged Spain’s dominance, stating, “We knew they were a formidable team, and they demonstrated it tonight. Despite an early fortunate goal for us, Spain presented significant challenges. They exhibited superior control and technical skill. Spain was the more impressive team and deserved their victory.”
Spain’s Dominance in Euro 2024
Spain has emerged as a standout team in Euro 2024, showcasing exceptional form throughout the tournament. They stand as the only team to maintain a perfect winning record across all matches, having scored an impressive 13 goals. This goal tally equals Spain’s previous record for goals scored in a European Championship and is just one goal shy of France’s overall tournament record set in 1984.
“I anticipate a completely different final against opponents who will push us to our limits,” De la Fuente commented. “While it may seem ambitious, we still have areas where we can improve.”
Spain awaits the outcome of the second semi-final between England and the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday to determine their final opponent.
Mbappé’s Mask Decision and Yamal’s Historic Strike
A notable pre-match observation in Munich was Mbappé’s decision to play without the protective mask he had worn since fracturing his nose in France’s opening Euro 2024 group stage match.
Mbappé had voiced concerns about the mask hindering him, and his decision to discard it appeared initially beneficial as he set up France’s opening goal in the ninth minute. His cross to the far post was met by Randal Kolo Muani, who headed it into the net.
This goal marked the first instance of France scoring in Euro 2024 from open play, excluding penalties or own goals. Les Bleus had previously displayed defensive strength, conceding only once – a retaken penalty by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski in the group stage.
However, Spain’s response was swift and decisive. Yamal’s stunning equalizer in the 21st minute made him the youngest player to ever score in a men’s European Championship. He masterfully curled a shot from 25 yards past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, finding the net off the left post.
Spain completed their turnaround just four minutes later. Olmo’s shot, destined for goal, was deflected into the net by France defender Jules Koundé. Initially credited as an own goal by UEFA, it was later officially awarded to Olmo.
“What this team is achieving is incredible. We deserve our place in the final, just one step away from glory,” Olmo remarked. “Whether the goal is credited to me or Koundé is irrelevant. The crucial thing is we are in the final.”
France dominated possession in the second half, but failed to convert their opportunities into goals. Théo Hernández missed a late chance, sending his shot over the bar, and Mbappé followed suit with a similar miss in the closing minutes. In between these chances, Yamal nearly extended Spain’s lead with another powerful shot that narrowly missed the crossbar.
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Correction: Lamine Yamal is the youngest player to score in the European Championship, but not in all major international tournaments as previously stated.
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AP writers Joseph Wilson in Barcelona, Spain, and Tom Nouvian in Paris contributed to this report.
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For more Euro 2024 coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/euro-2024
