Spain booked their place in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 win over France in a pulsating encounter at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
Didier Deschamps’ France took the early lead when Ousmane Dembele headed in Kylian Mbappe’s clipped cross to score their first goal from open play after more than nine hours of football in Germany.
However, 16-year-old Lamine Yamal made history as he became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history with an emphatic effort into the top left-hand corner from 25 yards out. The stunning strike left the French defence stunned and the Spanish crowd erupting in joy.
Four minutes later, Dani Olmo thundered an effort towards the France goal which beat Mike Maignan and could not be stopped by Jules Kounde, who turned the ball into the net. After some controversy, Olmo was later officially awarded the goal, making him the tournament’s joint-leading goalscorer with three.
France had their chances in the second half, with Theo Hernandez and Mbappe both blasting shots over the bar from inside the box. But Spain held on to reach their fifth Euros final and will face either England or the Netherlands, who face off in the second semi-final on Wednesday, in Sunday’s final at the Olympiastadion in Berlin.
The victory marks a major upset for Spain, who were written off by many after a shaky start to the tournament. But they have now found their rhythm and are looking to lift their second European Championship title.
