Teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in the annals of European Championship as Spain defeated France in an enthralling duel to qualify for the final of Euro 2024.
After Randal Kolo Muani headed in Kylian Mbappe’s cross to put France in front first but Yamal responded for Spain as he weaved home a stunning goal from outside the box to inscribe his name into the record books by scoring at the age of 16 years and 362 days.
Yamal’s strike arrived in the 21st minute, and Spain went 2-1 up about four minutes later as Dani Olmo’s shot was defelctes home by France defender Jules Kounde.
France did roar back fighting after a thrilling first half, and they did just that, with Aurelien Tchouameni having a header saved and Mbappe in being denied a goal from an ambitious shot.
Mbappe, who played without a face mask for the first time since having broken his nose at the beginning of the tournament in Germany, got a big opportunity to get France an equaliser late on but his shot went high over the bar.
While the Spaniards have been the most attacking team at the tournament, tonight they proved they have the defence to stand the test as they stayed in pole position for a fourth European Championship title.
France came up short in the front against a Spanish side who will take a stopping when they face either England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s Euro 2024 final.
