EURO 2024: France Falls to Spain’s Magic, Euros Final Set!
Spain will compete for their fourth European title after securing a spot in the final championship in Germany.
This was confirmed following a 2-1 victory over France in the tournament’s first semifinal. The “Roosters” took an early lead in the 9th minute through Randal Kolo Muani, but the “Furies” quickly turned the game around with a historic masterpiece by 16-year-old Lamine Yamal (21’) and a goal by Dani Olmo (25’).
Luis de la Fuente’s team played a very strong first half, during which they made a comeback and dominated.
After the break, the team was much more cautious, registering only one shot, but they were perfect in ball possession – 60%:40%, which left the “Roosters” with almost no chance to get back into the game.
France exits the tournament after an unconvincing performance, ending with just one goal from open play. Kylian Mbappé discarded his famous mask for the semifinal in Munich, but even without it, he failed to make a memorable impact.
Spain started with the expected lineup, given their roster problems. 38-year-old Jesús Navas started as the right-back instead of the suspended Dani Carvajal, and Nacho Fernández replaced the also suspended Le Normand in the center of defense.
Dani Olmo, the player of the match against Germany, was in the starting lineup instead of the injured Pedri.
On the French side, the notable omission was Antoine Griezmann from the starting eleven.
The team in red began stronger and reached their first clear opportunity in the fifth minute.
Yamal placed the ball on Fabián Ruiz’s head, but from 3-4 meters out, he missed the target.
The “Roosters,” however, were unrelenting in their first chance, which came in the 9th minute. Kolo Muani accurately headed in a cross from Mbappé, who Jesús Navas did not challenge.
Immediately after that, the French retreated into their half while the opponent searched for a way to reach the goal. In the 19th minute, a counterattack by Deschamps’ side saw Mbappé burst down the left and shoot powerfully, but the Spaniards were lucky as the shot was blocked.
Two minutes later, it was time for everyone to witness the genius of Lamine Yamal.
The teenager scored a beautiful goal to make it 1-1 with a long-range left-footed shot.
Soon after, “La Roja” delivered their second blow and took the lead at 2-1. In the 25th minute, Dani Olmo easily bypassed Tchouaméni and shot powerfully across goal, with Jules Koundé only managing to deflect the ball into the net.
The stunned French created a chance and shot on target again in the 53rd minute through Tchouaméni, but Unai Simón saved easily. Shortly after, Mbappé shot powerfully along the ground, but once again, it was within the goalkeeper’s reach.
After an hour of play, Deschamps brought in three players at once with the idea of more offensive football. Seconds later, Upamecano missed from a good position following a corner. The Spaniards still hadn’t had a shot on goal in the second half and, at times, took risky actions close to their goal.
Theo Hernández nearly capitalized on this in the 76th minute when he shot with his right foot but missed.
Only in the 81st minute did Spain manage an attack with a shot at Maignan after the break. The shot was by Yamal, but it flew wide.
The fading Mbappé got his chance in the 86th minute when he was up against only one defender and the goalkeeper, but he shot over the bar.
France had one more opportunity through Griezmann but did not threaten Spain’s goal.
The Spaniards’ celebrations continued late into the night, and fans are now convinced that Spain will be the new European champion despite “La Furia” not being among the favorites before the tournament began.
