Defending champions Spain will play Portugal in the Nations League final, looking to become back-to-back champions after beating France in the semis in Stuttgart.
In an absolute goal fest, Spain defeated France 5–4 and moved on to the UEFA Nations League final, where they’ll continue their title defense against Portugal.
Two of the best national teams on the planet traded punches during the opening 20 minutes, with both sides generating chances early.
Spain finally landed the first big blow when Lamine Yamal found Mikel Oyarzabal inside the box, who then slid the ball to Nico Williams after some great hold-up play. The winger fired a shot into the roof of the net to open the scoring in the 23rd minute.
Three minutes later, Spain struck again through Mikel Merino. The Arsenal midfielder found himself in acres of space entering the penalty box and calmly tucked in Spain’s second.
France had their moments, but Unai Simón’s five saves in the first half saw Spain keep a two-goal lead going into halftime.
Although France pushed forward quickly after halftime, Spain extended their lead when Adrien Rabiot brought down Yamal inside the box.
The 17-year-old emphatically converted the ensuing penalty to make it 3–0 less than 10 minutes into the second half.
One minute later, Williams set up Pedri, who chipped the ball over Mike Maignan to make it four.
France got one back when Kylian Mbappé sent Simón the wrong way from the penalty spot just before the hour-mark.
However, Yamal erased any hope of a French comeback when he secured his brace in the 67th minute.
The teenager’s second goal against France means, the 2024 Golden boy winner has 48 goal contributions in 57 matches for club and country in the this campaign.
Rayan Cherki added France’s second with a brilliant volley, scoring his first goal for Les Bleus’ senior side.
Five minutes later, Dani Vivian scored an own goal, adding drama to the end of the game. Then, in stoppage time, Cherki found Randal Kolo Muani, who headed in France’s fourth.
Despite France’s late push, Spain held on for a 5-4 win, conceding five goals for the first time since the 1960s in a match that will be remembered for its thrilling action.
The 17-year-old Barcelona forward, one of the contenders to win the Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world this season, was named the Most Valuable Player in the match after his brace, sealing his standout performance with two crucial goals.
Spain moves on to the final, aiming to defend their crown and solidify their status as arguably the best national team in the world currently, facing Portugal in the next stage.
