Teen sensation Lamine Yamal scored twice as Spain delivered a breathtaking performance to defeat France 5–4 in an unforgettable UEFA Nations League semi-final.
The 17-year-old Barcelona forward, already in the Ballon d’Or conversation, played a pivotal role as Spain stormed into a commanding lead, going up 4–0 and later 5–1, before narrowly escaping a dramatic French resurgence.
Spain took control early with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino. Yamal then won and converted a penalty, sending Mike Maignan the wrong way. Pedri added a fourth with a composed finish off a Williams assist.
Kylian Mbappé pulled one back for France with a penalty, but Yamal struck again — a low-driven finish to make it 5–1 and seemingly out of reach.
However, France refused to go quietly. Rayan Cherki, on his debut, scored a brilliant volley from 20 yards to spark life into the contest. An own goal by Dani Vivian and a stoppage-time header from Randal Kolo Muani cut the deficit to just one, but Spain held firm.
Spain will now face Portugal in the final on Sunday in Munich, while France will play Germany in the third-place play-off in Stuttgart.
