Record-breaking teenager conjures Spain into the European Championship final
The Spanish national team is the first finalist at the European Football Championship: The team led by record teenager Lamine Yamal trails France early on, but turns the game around in Munich with a double strike in the first half and wins 2:1.
With a historic goal from Lamine Yamal, Spain upsets the next favorite and dreams more than ever of the final triumph. Led by the youngest EM scorer, Spain's unstoppable Germany conqueror also left France's star ensemble around Kylian Mbappe in awe and stormed into the final in Berlin. After the 2:1 (2:1) in the Munich semi-final, the team coached by Luis de la Fuente faces the record title on Sunday.
As the first nation, the Spanish could crown themselves the European champion for the fourth time in the duel against England or the Netherlands. And once again, the youngest player had a big role in it: Yamal's emotional chip in the corner (21st minute) brought the Spaniards back into the game after an early setback by Randall Kolo Muani (9th minute). Subsequently, Dani Olmo (25th minute) scored the golden goal.
France lacks the cutting edge
While the Spaniards have made it to the final of a major tournament for the first time since the successful years between 2008 and 2012, the French dream of the first EM title in 24 years was shattered. Apart from a strong initial phase, the team of coach Didier Deschamps, like last time, lacked the cutting edge - a fact that didn't change even with their first own goal in the game.
Much was discussed in the run-up about the different approaches of the two most successful teams of the century. While the Spaniards enchanted the people with their unbridled joy of playing, the heavily staffed French were criticized for their pragmatic approach and the limiting offense around Superstar Mbappe.
In the direct confrontation, the Iberians caught the supposedly better start. After just five minutes, Fabian Ruiz had the first good chance for the Spaniards, with only Marc Cucurella having a hard time. The left back was criticized for his handball in the Viertelfinale against Germany and was booed at every ball contact. Spanish fans tried to counteract with cheers for Cucurella but fell silent in the end.
Yamal's goal is enchanting
In a counterattack, the 38-year-old Jesus Navas, who replaced the red-carded Dani Carvajal in the starting lineup, defended too casually against the maskless Mbappe. Mbappe's cross was headed in by Kolo Muani at the far post. The Spaniards looked uncertain - until the individual brilliance of Yamal breathed new life into the Red Fury.
At the age of just 16 years and 362 days, the winger slid the ball perfectly into the corner from a distance, and Dani Olmo crowned a wild exchange of possession with a goal a few moments later. The situation had completely reversed within just four minutes. Suddenly, it was the French who were struggling for safety - with little success.
After an hour, Deschamps increased the risk and brought on Antoine Griezmann instead of defensive specialist N'Golo Kante. The Spaniards defended more and more aggressively as the game progressed, hoping for a counterattack. Mbappe missed the last good opportunity for the equalizer (86th minute).
Spain will aim to become the fourth-time European champions in the European Football Championship 2024 final, facing either England or the Netherlands. Despite their pragmatic approach, France struggled to maintain their cutting edge, much like their previous tournaments, and eventually fell short in their quest for the first title in 24 years, losing to Spain.
