MUNICH: Spain fought back to beat France 2-1 in an entertaining Euro 2024 semi-final on Tuesday, with a stunning Lamine Yamal strike and a Dani Olmo goal booking their spot in Sunday’s final in Berlin.
France struck early when Kylian Mbappe picked out Randal Kolo Muani, who headed in from close range.
Yamal levelled for Spain in the 21st minute when he launched a ferocious left-footed drive from outside the penalty area that glanced off the post on its way into the net.
Spain took the lead four minutes later after a period of sustained pressure when Olmo took a clever touch inside the penalty area and fired home a half-volley that deflected off France’s Jules Kounde.
France kept Spain penned in during the second half and created a few chances but could not find a way back.
Spain’s Lamine Yamal also became the youngest goalscorer in men’s European Championship history at the age of 16 years and 362 days. The Barcelona winger curled in a sensational shot from 25 metres to break the previous record for youngest scorer set by Switzerland’s Johan Vonlanthen, who was 18 years and 141 days old when he scored at Euro 2004.
Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2024