by Lamine Yamal is 17 years old, and winning the European Championship is not going to be on his list of accomplishments. He might just have to wait until the following day, though.
With a stunning strike beyond the box, Yamal ignited Spain’s thrilling comeback in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 semifinal win over France, propelling his team into the championship game.
Yamal, turning 16, created a memorable image in the eighth minute of a crucial match against Spain, securing a 1-0 victory.
When Yamal collected the ball from inside, he touched it, moved quickly to his left, and then struck a beautiful shot into the upper corner of the France goal, denying keeper Mike Maignan any opportunity.
When Spain plays the Netherlands or England in Berlin on Sunday with the trophy up for grabs, it will be a clear favorite.
Spain emerged victorious in this competition not so long ago, capping an incredible run that included victories in the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 Euros. Yamal was two weeks away from turning one when he won in 2008.
The outstanding Dani Olmo, who has been such a great impact since Pedri was hurt in the quarterfinal and is currently leading the tournament’s Golden Boot standings, gave Spain the extra boost they needed to do the job.
Olmo scored a low shot across the goal’s face in the 25th minute after two deft touches in the box. Jules Kounde, the defender, was unable to stop himself from diverting the ball into the goal, and Olmo was rightfully given the goal.
For the first time since fracturing his nose in France’s opening match of the tournament, Kylian Mbappé was playing without a mask. He got off to a great start but was unable to sustain it later.
Despite facing seasoned players Jesus Navas and Nacho for the whole of the match, Kolo Muani scored the first goal thanks to his excellent ball. As for him, things weren’t easy. The 25-year-old was thrilled to have a late break, but all he could do was send his attempt over Unai Simon’s crossbar.
The paths taken by the two teams to reach the championship game could not have been more dissimilar. Spain made a huge impression, dominating Georgia in the round of 16 and through the group stage. It then demonstrated unwavering resolve to defeat Germany with a winner in the final minutes of extra time.
This was another instance of France never finding its offensive edge. Head coach Didier Deschamps was forced to make a risky substitution, starting Antoine Griezmann, Bradley Barcola, and Olivier Giroud, but there was just no way past Spain—a dilemma that almost everyone has encountered.
A precocious adolescent with magic at his fingertips, a craggy backline that makes no mistakes, and the most controlled midfield of Euro 2024 come together to form a fearsome combination.
And one that wins the title, Spain hopes.
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