With a historic dream goal from Lamine Yamal, Spain toppled the next favorites and are dreaming more than ever of a final triumph
Lead by the youngest European Championship goalscorer to date, the unstoppable Germany conquerors also demystified France’s star ensemble around Kylian Mbappe and stormed into the final in Berlin.
After a 2:1 (2:1) win in the semi-final in Munich, coach Luis de la Fuente’s team will go for the record title on Sunday.
The Spaniards could become the first nation to be crowned European champions for a fourth time in a clash with England or the Netherlands. And once again, the youngest player played a big part in this: Yamal’s sensitive shot into the corner (21st) brought the Spaniards back into the game after Randall Kolo Muani (9th) had trailed early on, before the strong Dani Olmo (25th) added the golden goal.
While the Spaniards are back in the final of a major tournament for the first time since the successful years between 2008 and 2012, the dream of a first European Championship title in 24 years has been shattered for the French. Aside from a strong opening phase, coach Didier Deschamps’ team lacked the punch they have had recently – even their first own goal from play did nothing to change that.
Much had been discussed in the run-up to the match about the different approaches of the two most successful teams of the millennium. While the Spaniards had thrilled the crowd with their unbridled joy of playing, France, with their strong squad, were criticized for their pragmatic approach and the lame attack around superstar Mbappe.
The Iberians also got off to the seemingly better start in the direct duel. Fabian Ruiz had the first good chance for the Spaniards after just five minutes, with only Marc Cucurella having a difficult time. The left-back was booed every time he touched the ball after his unpunished handball in the quarter-final against Germany. The Spanish fans tried to counter this with chants for Cucurella – but then fell completely silent.
During a counter-attack, 38-year-old Jesus Navas, who replaced Dani Carvajal in the starting eleven due to his suspension, defended too half-heartedly against Mbappe, who was without a mask this time. The latter’s cross was headed home by Kolo Muani at the far post. The Spaniards initially looked unsettled – until Yamal’s individual brilliance brought the Red Fury back to life.
At the age of just 16 years and 362 days, the winger flicked the ball perfectly to the inside left-hand post from distance, and shortly afterwards Dani Olmo crowned a wild back-and-forth. Within just four minutes, the tide had turned completely. Suddenly it was the French who were struggling for safety again – with limited success.
After an hour, Deschamps increased the risk and made a triple substitution, bringing on Antoine Griezmann for defensive specialist N’Golo Kante, among others. The Spaniards defended closer and closer to their own penalty area as the game wore on, hoping to counter-attack. Mbappe missed the last good opportunity to equalize (86′).
Yamal’s shot into luck – Spain dream of a fourth title
With a historic dream goal from Lamine Yamal, Spain toppled the next favorite and are dreaming more than ever of the final triumph.
Lead by the youngest European Championship goalscorer to date, the unstoppable Germany conquerors also demystified France’s star ensemble around Kylian Mbappe and stormed into the final in Berlin.
After a 2:1 (2:1) win in the semi-final in Munich, coach Luis de la Fuente’s team will go for the record title on Sunday.
The Spaniards could become the first nation to be crowned European champions for a fourth time in a clash with England or the Netherlands. And once again, the youngest player played a big part in this: Yamal’s sensitive shot into the corner (21st) brought the Spaniards back into the game after Randall Kolo Muani (9th) had trailed early on, before the strong Dani Olmo (25th) added the golden goal.
While the Spaniards are back in the final of a major tournament for the first time since the successful years between 2008 and 2012, the dream of a first European Championship title in 24 years has been shattered for the French. Aside from a strong opening phase, coach Didier Deschamps’ team lacked the punch they have had recently – even their first own goal from play did nothing to change that.
Much had been discussed in the run-up to the match about the different approaches of the two most successful teams of the millennium. While the Spaniards had thrilled the crowd with their unbridled joy of playing, France, with their strong squad, were criticized for their pragmatic approach and the lame attack around superstar Mbappe.
The Iberians also got off to the seemingly better start in the direct duel. Fabian Ruiz had the first good chance for the Spaniards after just five minutes, with only Marc Cucurella having a difficult time. The left-back was booed every time he touched the ball after his unpunished handball in the quarter-final against Germany. The Spanish fans tried to counter this with chants for Cucurella – but then fell completely silent.
During a counter-attack, 38-year-old Jesus Navas, who replaced Dani Carvajal in the starting eleven due to his suspension, defended too half-heartedly against Mbappe, who was without a mask this time. The latter’s cross was headed home by Kolo Muani at the far post. The Spaniards initially looked unsettled – until Yamal’s individual brilliance brought the Red Fury back to life.
At the age of just 16 years and 362 days, the winger flicked the ball perfectly to the inside left-hand post from distance, and shortly afterwards Dani Olmo crowned a wild back-and-forth. Within just four minutes, the tide had turned completely. Suddenly it was the French who were struggling for safety again – with limited success.
After an hour, Deschamps increased the risk and made a triple substitution, bringing on Antoine Griezmann for defensive specialist N’Golo Kante, among others. The Spaniards defended closer and closer to their own penalty area as the game wore on, hoping to counter-attack. Mbappe missed the last good opportunity to equalize (86′).