By Razeen Gutta
Lamine Yamal was the star as Spain made history over France in a thrilling 2-1 last four European Championship win in Munich on Tuesday.
Kylian Mbappe’s side may have crashed out, but not without a fight.
The superhero arrived at the Allianz Arena without his mask and needed just eight minutes to rack up an assist as he set up Kolo Muani for France’s first goal from open play in the tournament thus far.
However, despite the enthralling end-to-end affair, it would be their last, too — as Spain responded in sublime style.
On the 20-minute mark, a certain Barcelona boy would grab the attention of the footballing world.
At just 16 years old, Yamal broke Pele’s 1958 record to become the youngest player to appear in the last four of a major international competition — and he did so with a goal from paradise.
Striking from range to find the back of the net off the woodwork made for one of the most iconic moments in Euro history. And more importantly, pulled his side back on level terms for a place on the ultimate stage.
Less than five minutes later, France did not know what hit them, as Dani Olmo turned things around to make it 2-1.
An array of last-gasp attempts were halted and Spain held on to become the first side ever to win six games at a single edition of the European Championships.
For France it was not to be. And for the first time since Euro 1996, the World Cup runners-up were eliminated at the semi-final stage of a major tournament.
Spain will contest the Euro 2024 final where either England or the Netherlands will await them in Berlin on Sunday.
Pictured above: Lamine Yamal.
Source: @euro2024
