Spain was last Euro champion in 2012 / Photo: Euro
Spain became the first finalist of Euro 2024, which is being held in Germany, on Tuesday following beating France 2-1 in the semi-finals.
The Spanish side had to come from behind to claim victory at the Allianz Arena in Munich. A spectacular goal from youngster Lamine Yamal marked the start of a comeback that took five minutes to complete.
France scored early
The French team struck first in the match and did so early, in the 8th minute. Randal Kolo Muani finished off a cross from captain and star player Kylian Mbappé alone for the goal of “les bleus”.
Didier Deschamps’ team tried to extend their lead with Mbappé, but they were unable to overcome the Spanish defence. Spain also lacked clarity on the pitch, until Lamine Yamal’s genius arrived.
The 16-year-old picked up a loose ball outside the box and created space for himself to fire a shot into the top corner of Mike Maignan’s goal in the 21st minute to make it 1-1. He also became the youngest player to score a goal in the continental competition.
From then on, the team, led technically by Luis de la Fuente, looked a little better. They materialised their good moment in the 25th minute when Dani Olmo scored the 2-1 with a shot deflected by the “Gallic” defender Jules Koundé.
The scoreboard did not move for the rest of the match and Spain made it to the grand final to seek its fourth European Championship title in its history. Its rival will come from the duel this Wednesday between the Netherlands and England.
Barcelona / Javier A. Guaipo
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2024-07-10 06:26:41
