In a breathtaking display of youthful talent, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal announced himself on the big stage by scoring twice as Spain edged France 5-4 in a record-shattering UEFA Nations League semifinal.
Spain raced ahead early. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a clever assist from Yamal, threading the ball to Mikel Oyarzabal before Williams fired it into the top corner. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the lead, completing a slick one-two with Oyarzabal.
Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon was called into action early, tipping over a shot by Desire Doue and parrying attempts from Ousmane Dembele. But the floodgates opened when Adrien Rabiot's foul handed Yamal a spot kick in the 54th minute, and he coolly slotted home to make it 3-0.
Moments later Pedri seized on a loose pass from Williams to dink home Spain's fourth. Yamal then added his second of the night, nudging the ball past Mike Maignan to extend the lead to 5-1.
With the result seemingly sealed, France launched a thrilling late fightback. Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty, a Daniel Vivian own goal followed, and Rayan Cherki set up Randal Kolo Muani in stoppage time to make it 5-4. But the comeback fell just short, sealing Spain's spot in Sunday's final against Portugal.
'It was a great game. In the end it was a little close, but we played very well and I think we deserved to win,' Yamal said.
Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday, after Portugal defeated hosts Germany 2-1 in the other semifinal.
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Yamal shines in Spain's win over France in Nations League semifinal
cgtn.com
