Lamine Yamal’s sensational strike and Dani Olmo’s third goal of Euro 2024 booked Spain’s ticket to the final with a 2-1 win against France on Tuesday night. Luis de la Fuente’s electric side fought back from behind after Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring with his early header in Munich.
Spain will contest a fifth European Championships final at Berlin’s Olimpiastadion on Sunday – only Germany have competed in more.
Express Sport runs through the main talking points from an entertaining semi-final clash at the Allianz Arena.
Lamine Yamal silences his doubter
Ahead of the clash, France midfielder Adrien Rabiot dismissed Yamal’s threat, stating: “If Lamine wants to play in the final he will have to do more things than he has done so far.”
This morning, the Barcelona wonderkid posted an image on Instagram, captioned: “Move in silence. Only speak when it’s time to say checkmate.”
Many believed it was a subtle response to Rabiot’s comments, and he firmly did his talking on the pitch once again.
It’s safe to say the incredible 16-year-old emphatically made Rabiot – substituted on the hour mark – look a fool as he rifled home Spain’s first goal of the evening from range.
Spain trio make Euros history
Spain’s quality as a team, but also individually, shone through as they booked their spot in their Euros final.
Yamal became the youngest-ever goalscorer at the European Championships, aged 16 years and 362 days. Switzerland’s Johan Vonlanthen was the previous record holder (18 years and 141 days).
Meanwhile, Olmo, who hasn’t been a certain starter, is the first-ever Spanish player to score in three consecutive knockout games at a major international tournament following his strikes against Georgia and Germany.
Alvaro Morata, the assister for Yamal’s beauty, is now level with Cesc Fabregas with the most goal involvements by a Spanish player at the European Championships (eight). Quality scorches through this team.
Kylian Mbappe unmasked
Kylian Mbappe has donned a protective mask since breaking his nose in France’s 1-0 win against Austria in their Group D curtain-raiser.
But he has been among the high-profile players who have struggled to make an impact in Germany, netting just one of France’s underwhelming tally of four.
That somewhat changed in Munich after Mbappe decided to ditch the mask as the match got underway.
Real Madrid’s latest Galactico looked bright, especially in the first half, and produced a delightful cross for Muani’s early headed opener. He ultimately didn’t do enough throughout the tournament, though.
England sent ominous warning
Yamal’s first-half stunner was enough to send shivers down the spines of the England players potentially tasked with stopping him in Sunday’s final.
But if Gareth Southgate’s side navigate past the Netherlands in Dortmund on Wednesday night, they may face an ominous repeat of the Euros heartbreak suffered in 2021 at the hands of Italy.
Three years ago, Italy were the most impressive team at the delayed Euro 2020, winning all six games in their run to the Wembley final. Roberto Mancini’s men went on to get the better of England.
Spain have been just as good, if not better, and have achieved the same feat, triumphing six times out of six and beating Croatia, Italy, Germany and France in doing so.
But first… the Netherlands.