In a thrilling semi-final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Luis de la Fuente’s Spain continued their unstoppable Euro 2024 campaign, clinching a spot in the final with a 2-1 victory over Didier Deschamps’s France. This win cements Spain’s status as the team to beat in this tournament, extending their unbeaten streak to six games—a first in this edition of the Euros.
France, featuring their star-studded lineup, started strong. Kolo Muani’s header in the 8th minute gave Les Bleus an early lead, raising hopes among their supporters. However, Spain responded in spectacular fashion.
The equalizer came in the 21st minute from the 16-year-old prodigy, Lamine Yamal. His sublime long-range curler not only leveled the scores but also showed the youngster’s immense talent. Yamal’s goal had echoes of his idol, Lionel Messi, and marked him as the youngest-ever goalscorer in European Championship history. This moment was a clear indication that the young Spaniard is a force to be reckoned with.
Just four minutes later, the French defense was caught off guard again. Dani Olmo capitalized on the opportunity, netting a goal that turned the tide in Spain’s favour. The swift turnaround left the French side reeling, as Spain’s mix of youthful exuberance and tactical brilliance took center stage.
French captain Kylian Mbappe, soon to join Real Madrid, had a surprisingly quiet evening. Despite a few promising runs, Mbappe failed to make a significant impact, missing a crucial chance to equalize. His muted performance added to the woes of the French team, whose midfield, despite boasting the likes of N’Golo Kante, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Adrien Rabiot, struggled to dictate the play.
France’s strategy of attacking through the flanks proved predictable and ineffective against a well-prepared Spanish defense. The experienced Nacho and the ageless Jesus Navas were instrumental in neutralizing the threats from Ousmane Dembele and other French attackers. Their defensive prowess ensured that France’s attempts to penetrate the box were consistently thwarted.
Spain’s victory not just showed their tactical superiority but also highlighted the emergence of a new star in Lamine Yamal. His ability to cut into the box, deliver precise crosses, and seize scoring opportunities with precision was a constant threat to the French backline. Yamal’s performance confirmed that he is a star in the making, poised to shine brightly in European football.
As Spain awaits the winner of the other semi-final clash between England and the Netherlands, de la Fuente’s men will be focused on maintaining their momentum. The Spanish coach will likely look to further strengthen his squad, aiming to capture the big silverware after a tumultuous few years for the national side.
