In the first semi-final match of Euro 2024, Spain triumphed over France with a final score of 2-1. The match was attended predominantly by disillusioned German fans, who originally hoped to see their own team play. They decided not to give up their tickets, choosing instead to jeer Marc Cucurella, the villain of the piece, whose controversial handball crushed Germany’s quarter-finals dreams.
Despite this, the crowd delighted in seeing an incredible goal scored by Lamine Yamal, likely a tale they’ll recount for years to come. Yamal, who was set to turn 17 the following Saturday, became the youngest player ever to compete in a World Cup or European Championships semi-final, a record that some considered manufactured. Regardless, it was an admirable achievement, with Pele still holding onto his record as the youngest participant in a World Cup semi-final.
Pele, however, did not score an astounding goal to mark the occasion, unlike Yamal. Some 21 minutes into the game, Yamal accepted a pass from Alvaro Morata from about 25 metres to the right of the D. After several well-calculated moves, Yamal managed to score with a left-footed shot, curling into the upper left corner of Maignan’s goal.
The ball soared high, making it clear that this would challenge Maignan. Despite his commendable efforts and a tremendous dive, Maignan was unable to stop the ball that sealed what is likely to be remembered as the goal of Euro 2024.
Yamal’s remarkable equaliser brought a sharp end to a period of domination by the French side. A near miss of a 2-0 lead for France happened moments before when Navas’ aggressive foul against Rabiot meant that the completely open Mbappé was denied the ball.
With no longer having to bear the notoriously disliked facial guard, albeit often touching his tender nostril, Mbappé effectively broke the game wide open after its initial nine minutes. Seaming down the French left, he suddenly veered right, delivered an exquisite cross to the far post – so irresistible that Kolo Muani seemed compelled to nod it into the net.
Optimism was building that France was shifting into prime gear; seizing control with their palpable strength, experience, and self-belief. But Spain rebuffed any notions of being overawed and continued to play their game. A mere twelve minutes later, Yamal netted a dramatic equaliser and, barely four minutes later, they found themselves in the lead.
Kroos’ tackle which led to Pedri’s premature tournament exit could have been a subtle silver lining for Spain. It’s not that Pedri isn’t a vital and outstanding player, but his departure paved the way for Dani Olmo’s entry – a player with an uncanny knack for goal scoring, an undeniable asset for any team, particularly one led by Morata.
An attempt from Navas to cross found Saliba, who directed it right to the edge of the box where Olmo instinctively used his right leg to tame it. His touch steered the ball to his left and deceived Tchouameni. With no time to waste and before the ball could even bounce, Olmo quickly flicked it with his right foot, fooling Tchouameni and breaking free. His third touch fired a brutal shot towards the far post which ricocheted off Koundé, but was bound to go inside anyway.
The response from the team that just netted their first open-play goal of the tournament was looming. The truth is, Deschamps’ France, so accustomed to defence, found it foreign when the need arose to go on the offence. Although Dembele and Mbappé did pose an occasional threat from the flanks with a handful of crosses flung into the box, it wasn’t anything the Spanish defence couldn’t handle
At the 62-minute mark, Deschamps made a risky move – he brought in Griezmann, Camavinga, and Bradley Barcola to replace Kante, Rabiot, and Kolo Muani. Griezmann’s inclusion was particularly contentious considering he began the match on the sidelines. Meanwhile, Mbappé was shifted to a central position and Barcola took charge of the wings.
De la Fuente, in contrast, had a narrow escape last Friday when he opted to pull off his key wingers in face of heavy pressure from Germany. However, on this occasion, he let Yamal and Williams play their parts, offering threats via swift counterattacks.
With just five minutes left in a game that France had emphatically controlled, they received the chance they’d been striving for. Yet Mbappé, notwithstanding a clear view of the goal having maneuvered his position, shockingly shot the ball high and wide, much to the dismay of the French supporters behind the goal.
Still, the spotlight rightly belonged to Yamal, who stole the show. The acclaimed man of the match and 16-year-old sensation exited the pitch during injury time, to an enthusiastic applause from not just Spanish but also German spectators.
The Euro 24 competition has received some criticism regarding the lack of exceptional contests and stellar players. However, there seems to be only one rebuttal necessary to these detractors: Spain.
It’s now confirmed that the final scheduled in Berlin this Sunday will feature at least one squad that has consistently impressed at each stage of the tournament.