European Football Championship - Spain celebrates European Championship final - Yamal youngest goalscorer
Germany conquered Spain with Junior Artist Lamine Yamal, who also cleared the way for France's Minimalist Footballers and aims to crown himself the EM Records holder. In an intense semifinal clash, the Spanish team coached by National Trainer Luis de la Fuente overcame the two-time title holder France, who had been unmasked by Kylian Mbappé, with a 2:1 (2:1) scoreline.
Spain is chasing its fourth European Championship triumph after 1964, 2008, and 2012. On Sunday in Berlin, the Spanish football artists around the youngest EM goalscorer Yamal, who scored the equalizer for around 65,000 spectators in Munich at just 16 years and 362 days, do not want to be outshone by England or the Netherlands.
Impressive French series comes to an end
The leading goal for the French team through former Frankfurt player Randal Kolo Muani in the 9th minute did not particularly frighten the Spaniards in sunny Munich. Yamal scored a stunning goal (21st minute) and Dani Olmo (25th minute) gave the Tricolore team their first knockout loss since 2014. In that year, it was a 0:1 in the World Cup quarterfinals against the later champion Germany.
If the thrilling and nerve-wracking quarterfinal between European Championship host Germany and Spain (1:2 after extra time) had been the scheduled final, what would this semifinal of the Iberians against France have been? Just as exciting, with spectacular goals and high intensity. From the start.
Superstar Mbappé made his first appearance without a mask since his nasal bone fracture suffered in the French opening match against Austria (1:0). The new Real Madrid star looked relieved and faced a tough task against Jesus Navas, one of three newcomers in the Spanish starting lineup, on the right Spanish defensive side.
Duranty boos for Cucurella
A nerve-wracking test was experienced on the left side by Marc Cucurella. The left-back with the powerful dreadlocks was loudly booed every time he touched the ball. Why? It was related to the German elimination.
Many fans blamed the defender of Chelsea for his handball in the quarterfinals. Cucurella had received a shot from Jamal Musiala at a spot not directly on his body. A penalty would not have been given. Spanish fans reacted to the boos and initiated several Cucurella-chanting sections.
The first cheer belonged to France, which had advanced with a modest footballing approach and only three goals throughout the tournament. A cross from Mbappé found Kolo Muani to head in from five meters - the start of a wild football evening.
Yamal etches his name in EM record books
The Spaniards responded with a brilliant moment from prodigy Yamal, whose goal from 25 meters touched the left post and landed in the helpless goalkeeper Mike Maignan's net.
The jewel of Barcelona replaced Johan Vonlanthen as the youngest EM goalscorer. Vonlanthen was 18 years and 141 days old when he scored for Switzerland against France in 2004. Yamal will be one day younger than the Endspiel in Berlin on Sunday (21.00 Uhr) at 17.
I feel good, the team feels good. We want to send a clear message to our fans: Namely that we have confidence and want to play well, said Dani Olmo before the start of the giant clash.
The Leipzig player, who was the decisive actor against Germany with a goal and an assist, backed up his bold statements on the pitch as well. A fake cross from Jesus Navas landed at his feet. The powerful shot from France's right back Jules Koundé could not be defended by the French right back Jules Koundé just before the goal line.
Deschamps' substitutions ineffective
Spain also had France under control after the substitution. The French team was most dangerous from set pieces. The headers from Aurélien Tchouameni (53.) and Dayot Upamecano (63.) put pressure on Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon but did not threaten him. Mbappé's (56.) shot from eight meters on the Spanish goalpost was a rarity.
Didier Deschamps had to react. Finally, Antoine Griezmann, who had left France when he was 14 years old but had to start on the bench instead of Ousmane Dembélé in the offense, took the field. However, they failed to make an impact in the attack. France desperately hoped for a brilliant moment from Mbappé.
- Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national trainer, led his team against France in the semifinal of the European Football Championship.
- Spain's quest for their fourth European Championship triumph, after 1964, 2008, and 2012, continued on Sunday in Berlin.
- France's Minimalist Footballers, who had been aided by German Junior Artist Lamine Yamal in their previous matches, faced a tough challenge from the Spanish team.
- The Spaniards, with Yamal as their youngest EM goalscorer, were determined not to be outshone by England or the Netherlands in the upcoming games.
- Kylian Mbappe, the French star, overcame the Spanish defense in the semifinal but was unable to prevent a 2:1 (2:1) loss for his team.
- The match between Germany and Spain in Munich, which could have been the final, had been just as intense and exciting as the semifinal between the Iberians and France.
- Jesus Navas, one of the newcomers in the Spanish starting lineup, faced a tough task against Mbappe on the right Spanish defensive side.
- Artists from both teams showcased their skills throughout the game, with impressive goals and high intensity from the start.
- In the wake of France's defeat, the focus shifted to the European Championship final, where Spain or England or the Netherlands would aim to emerge victorious.
