Lamine Yamal broke a 66-year-old record held by Pele as Spain breeze past France into Euro 2024 final, thanks to goals by the youngster and Dani Olmo.
Adrien Rabiot got the game underway with the first pass as the two sides locked horns in the mutch-awaited cracker.
Just eight minutes into proceedings, France got off the mark. Les Bleus captain, Kylian Mbappe had crossed the ball into the penalty area. Kolo Muani, left unmarked in the box, rose high above his opponents and headed it home into the top right corner.
Three minutes after Muani’s curtain-raiser, Spain attempted to bounce back. Nico Williams had a pass to his feet at the penalty area. He wanted to find his teammate but failed as Arsenal defender, William Saliba, was prompt to make the needed clearance.
The game was temporarily delayed in the 15th minute after Rabiot clashed with Navas in an awkward challenge.
Meanwhile, despite trailing by a lone goal, Spain had most of the possession and were finally able to claw their charges into the game.
In the 21st minute, Lamine Yamal got the Luis de La Fuente-led side into the game. A magical legwork by the Barcelona youngster saw him beat Adrien Rabiot, before firing a curled effort which deflected off the post and settled into the back of the net.
It was a deserved lead for the 2023 Nations League champions but Yamal stole the show again. It was the 16-year-old’s first goal in the tournament and a record-breaker. He demolished a 66-year-old record set by Pele in 1958 World Cup, becoming the youngest footballer to score in a major tournament at the age of 16 years, 362 days against Pele’s 17 years 239 days.
Four minutes after the goal, Spain completed the comeback with a quickfire goal to stun a weary France. Navas’ cross into the French area was cleared as far as Dani Olmo who fired into the bottom-corner. Mike Maignan would have probably made a save but he was wrong-footed as the strike deflected off Kounde and looped into the net.
It was a dramatic turnaround at Allianz Arena with Spain using just four minutes to produce a comeback. The quickfire double was enough to send La Roja to the break with a 2-1 lead.
In the second half, both teams continued their battle for supremacy, with plenty of action unfolding at both ends of the pitch.
France started the half with renewed vigor, eager to break the deadlock. Ousmane Dembele, displaying his usual flair, orchestrated several attacking moves down the wing, aiming to unlock Spain’s defense. However, his crosses into the box were well dealt with by the Spanish backline, led by the composed Unai Simon in goal.
Spain responded with swift counter-attacks, utilizing the pace and precision of Nico Williams and Ferran Torres on the flanks. Their efforts nearly paid off when Torres came close to converting a chance inside the penalty area, but his effort went narrowly wide.
The match witnessed its fair share of fouls and interruptions, with Aurelien Tchouameni receiving a yellow card for a mistimed challenge in midfield. The physicality of the game heightened as players from both sides contested fiercely for possession.
As the game progressed, substitutions were made to inject fresh energy into both teams. France’s tactical adjustments saw Bradley Barcola replacing Randal Kolo Muani, aiming to add a different dimension to their attack.
Didier Deschamps’ late machinations was not enough to turn things around for France as Spain held on to grab a deserved victory and reach the final of the competition. They will now face the winner between England and Netherlands.
