Two beautiful goals saw Spain come from behind to beat France 2-1 and progress to the final of the 2024 UEFA European Championship, while also continuing their status as the only team to win all of their matches in this tournament.
After just eight minutes into the semifinal game, Randal Kolo Muani headed in Kylian Mbappe’s cross to put France in front, as they registered their first goal from open play in this tournament.
13 minutes later, Lamine Yamal curled home a stunning strike from outside the box to write his name into the record books by scoring at the age of 16 years and 362 days, becoming the youngest goalscorer in European Championship.
Dani Olmo conjured magical touches of his own a mere four minutes later to find space in the box and drive a shot that went in off Jules Koundé to give Spain the lead.
While France had moments of promise, Spain continued to threaten the most before the break with Ruiz and Yamal both having shots deflected behind.
France were immediately stretched after the restart with Mike Maignan forced to fly out of his box to halt Nico Williams. They also made forays forward of their own and Mbappé saw a shot from a tight angle saved before Navas was forced off injured, while Didier Deschamps made his move with an attacking triple-change shortly after the hour mark. Even so, frustrations continued as Théo Hernández and Ousmane Dembélé were both unable to capitalise on Spanish slip-ups in their own box.
Yamal came agonisingly close to adding a buffer for his side, but Mbappé uncharacteristically smashed his late effort over, while Antoine Griezmann headed over at the very end as Spain comfortably saw out the victory to book their place in Berlin.
Luis de la Fuente‘s boys are deserved finalists having been the best side at this year’s Euros, winning all five of their games and scoring a tournament-high 13 goals. They will play Netherlands or England in final on Sunday.
Spain becomes the first country to win six matches at one European Championship (excluding penalties). They have now won 12 competitive games in a row.
