Spain Triumphs Over France in 5-4 Nations League Thriller

Spain secured a dramatic 5-4 victory over France in a pulsating UEFA Nations League semi-final in Stuttgart, booking their place in the final against Portugal. The match, described as a classic, saw 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal steal the show with two goals, cementing his status as a Ballon d'Or contender.

• Spain beats France 5-4 in a Nations League semi-final thriller, led by teen star Lamine Yamal
• Yamal scores twice, earns Player of the Match, and fuels Spain’s run to the final vs. Portugal
• France's late 3-goal surge falls short as Spain seals spot in Nations League final in Munich

The action kicked off early as Spain took control. Nico Williams blasted in the opener in the 22nd minute, set up by Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino made it 2-0, with Oyarzabal assisting again. Spain kept pushing, and a clever free-kick move nearly led to a third, but Dean Huijsen’s volley was ruled offside.

After halftime, Yamal earned and scored a penalty in the 54th minute after a clumsy foul by Adrien Rabiot. Barely a minute later, Pedri slotted in a fourth, thanks to a slick pass from Williams. France pulled one back with a Kylian Mbappé penalty, but Yamal struck again, capitalizing on a mistake by goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make it 5-1.

France wasn’t done, though. Rayan Cherki sparked a comeback with a stunning volley in the 79th minute on his senior debut. An own goal by Dani Vivian in the 84th minute and a stoppage-time header from Randal Kolo Muani brought France within one. Despite the late scare, Spain held on in a game that saw 40 shots, 17 on target, and non-stop drama.

Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, loved the intensity, saying, “I enjoy suffering! Sport is about these moments.” Yamal, named Player of the Match, credited the crazy scoreline to two top teams going all out.

Also Read: Portugal Stuns Germany 2-1 in UEFA Nations League Semi-Final

Spain now face Portugal in Sunday’s final in Munich, chasing a third straight UEFA title after winning the 2023 Nations League and Euro 2024. France will take on Germany in the third-place play-off.