Spain secured their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a dramatic 5-4 victory over France in a high-scoring semifinal clash on Thursday. Goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino gave Spain an early 2-0 lead. Despite France`s strong push later in the game, Spain held on and will now face Portugal in the final. The match was packed with action, featuring a second-half brace from Lamine Yamal and a goal and assist from Kylian Mbappé.
Pre-match discussions even hinted at this game influencing the Ballon d`Or, pitting Barcelona`s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal against France and PSG star Ousmane Dembélé. Yamal undoubtedly left his imprint on the game. Spain`s display, despite some late defensive shakiness, underlined their status as strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup.
France mounted a significant comeback in the second half, scoring four goals, three of which came after the 80th minute. However, their late surge ultimately proved insufficient. Randal Kolo Muani`s well-taken header, set up by debutant Rayan Cherki who injected energy into the attack, narrowed the deficit, but France couldn`t find the crucial equalizer before the final whistle.
France manager Didier Deschamps will have tactical positives to consider moving forward, and losing to this dynamic Spanish side is certainly no disgrace. Spain`s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has assembled a formidable squad. While defensive improvements are needed, their midfield trio of Pedri, Merino, and Martin Zubimendi provides excellent balance, and the attacking options are plentiful. Lamine Yamal, still only 17, continues to perform at an elite level and is now set for a fascinating showdown with Cristiano Ronaldo in the final.
Having already claimed the Euro 2024 title and the 2023 UEFA Nations League, Spain now has the opportunity to achieve a remarkable `three-peat` of UEFA competitions when they face Portugal in Munich on Sunday. Portugal reached the final after securing a notable victory against Germany. Given the attacking styles of both teams, the final promises to be an open and exciting contest.
