Red-Hot Spain Inflict Blues on France to Reach Euros Final.
Spain have secured their place in the final of the UEFA European Championship 2024 after coming from behind to beat France 2-1. This victory not only saw Spain maintain their status as the only team to win all of their matches in this Euros but also highlighted their resilience and skill.
France, who had struggled to score from open play throughout the tournament, took just nine minutes to find the back of the net. Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani clinically converted Kylian Mbappé’s cross after Fabián Ruiz had squandered an earlier opportunity.
Mbappé, freed from his protective mask and up against the experienced Jesús Navas, looked determined to make an impact and saw an early shot blocked by Nacho Fernández. However, it was the youngest player to feature at this stage of the tournament, Lamine Yamal, who levelled the score. Yamal skilfully evaded Adrien Rabiot before curling an audacious strike off the far post.
Spain continued their momentum just four minutes later. Dani Olmo found space in the box and drove a shot that deflected in off Jules Koundé, putting Spain ahead. Despite moments of promise from France, Spain remained the more threatening side before the break, with Ruiz and Yamal both having shots deflected behind.
In the second half, Spain continued to press, forcing Mike Maignan to make a decisive intervention outside his box to stop Nico Williams. France also pushed forward, with Mbappé seeing a shot saved and Navas being forced off due to injury. Didier Deschamps responded with an attacking triple substitution shortly after the hour mark, but frustration grew as Théo Hernández and Ousmane Dembélé failed to capitalise on Spanish defensive errors.
Yamal came close to extending Spain’s lead, while Mbappé missed a late opportunity, uncharacteristically firing over the bar. Antoine Griezmann headed over at the very end, allowing Spain to see out the victory comfortably.
Spain will now head to Berlin for the final, brimming with confidence. They have won their last eight matches and have an impressive record in Euros finals, having won three of the four they have competed in. This victory also handed France their first defeat in 13 competitive matches since the World Cup final.
