Lamine Yamal showcased his emerging talent by scoring twice as Spain edged France 5-4 in a heart-stopping UEFA Nations League semifinal on Thursday. The 17-year-old forward led Spain to a memorable victory, setting up a showdown with Portugal in Sunday’s final.
Spain came out firing at Stuttgart’s Mercedes-Benz Arena, quickly asserting dominance over a weary French side. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, finishing off a slick move initiated by Yamal and assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the lead after a clever one-two with Oyarzabal.
Despite efforts from France’s star players like Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé, Spain’s defense, anchored by Unai Simón, held firm. In the 54th minute, Yamal was brought down in the box by Adrien Rabiot, earning a penalty which he calmly converted to make it 3-0.
Pedri added to France’s woes a minute later, deftly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Mike Maignan to put Spain up 4-0. Although Mbappé pulled one back for France with a penalty, Yamal struck again, restoring Spain’s four-goal advantage at 5-1.
As the match seemed settled, France mounted a spirited comeback. Rayan Cherki scored on his debut, Daniel Vivian conceded an own goal, and Randal Kolo Muani netted in stoppage time, bringing the score to 5-4. However, Spain held on to secure the victory.
“It was a great game. In the end, it was a little close, but we played very well, and I think we deserved to win,” Yamal said after the match.
Spain will face Portugal, who defeated hosts Germany 2-1 in the other semifinal, in what promises to be an exciting final.
