In a thrilling Euro 2024 semifinal match, Spain managed to secure a 2-1 comeback win over France with two quick goals in the first half. The 16-year-old Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest scorer in a Euro or World Cup tournament with a sublime shot in the 21st minute. Dani Olmo then added another goal in the 25th minute, propelling Spain into the final. The Spaniards showcased their attacking prowess, cementing their status as favorites in the tournament. Their performance in the first half was a testament to their evolution from the tiki-taka style that brought them previous titles.
Following the victory, man-of-the-match Yamal expressed his happiness at reaching the final and emphasized the importance of winning it. He acknowledged the challenging moment they faced before scoring and expressed his desire to continue winning. Spain will now face the winners of the match between England and Netherlands in the final as they aim to secure a record-breaking fourth European crown. On the other hand, France’s tournament came to an underwhelming end, with coach Didier Deschamps admitting that Spain proved to be a superior team on the night.
Spain started the game with an early chance that saw Yamal provide a cross to Fabián Ruiz, who unfortunately headed over the bar. France, however, capitalized on a similar move with Kylian Mbappé assisting Randal Kolo Muani for their opening goal. The turning point came when Yamal scored a remarkable goal from 25 meters out, breaking a record previously held by Pele. This was quickly followed by Olmo’s goal, sealing Spain’s lightning-quick comeback. France, known for their solid defense, struggled to keep up with Spain’s attacking flair, especially in the first half.
France’s Disappointing Campaign
Despite reaching the 2022 World Cup final, France failed to live up to expectations in Euro 2024. The team’s low conversion rate and lack of freshness were evident in their semifinal match against Spain. Deschamps highlighted Spain’s control and quality, admitting that his team failed to push forward effectively. France’s defense, which had been solid throughout the tournament, was breached by Spain’s clinical finishing and quick transitions. The loss marked the end of a disappointing campaign for the French side.
With their impressive performance against France, Spain heads into the final with confidence and momentum. The team’s attacking prowess, coupled with their defensive solidity, makes them a formidable opponent for any team. As they await the winner of the England vs. Netherlands match, Spain will be focused on securing another European title. The final in Berlin promises to be a thrilling encounter as Spain seeks to etch their name in the history books with a record-breaking fourth European crown.