Spain made it to their first major tournament final since 2012 and has set a new record while doing so. They are the first team to win six straight games at the Euros tournament and could win a seventh on Sunday in the Berlin final.
La Roja showed their resilience by scoring two goals in just five minutes to secure an incredible 2-1 comeback victory over France. The young sensation Lamine Yamal made history with a record-breaking goal, while Dani Olmo’s contribution sealed their place in the Euro 2024 final.
Yamal managed to equalize Randal Kolo Muani’s opening goal with a magnificent shot in the 21st minute. This goal not only secured Yamal’s place in history as the youngest scorer in a Euro or World Cup but also showcased his immense talent and potential. Just four minutes later, Olmo scored to make it 2-1, for his third goal in the knockout stage.
Dani Olmo’s Deflected Shot Sends Spain To Euro 2024 Final
In a swift and impressive move, France took the lead as Kylian Mbappe found Kolo Muani who expertly headed the ball into the net from a short distance. This was France’s first goal from open play in the Euro 2024.
Yamal equalized for Spain in the 21st minute with an impressive left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. His powerful shot hit the post and found its way into the net, making Yamal the youngest scorer in the history of Euro or World Cup tournaments at just 16.
Four minutes later, Spain took the lead through Dani Olmo. The RB Leipzig man showcased his brilliance with a deft touch inside the penalty area, unleashing a powerful half-volley that found the back of the net, courtesy of a deflection off Jules Kounde. France dominated the second half, keeping Spain on the defensive. Despite creating several opportunities, they were unable to stage a comeback.
A First Half Not To Forget
Tournaments are determined by those critical moments that can make or break a team’s fate. Today’s match was a striking parallel to the Nations League final in 2021, where Spain took the lead only for France to equalize two minutes later.
The first half took a complete turn this time. Randal Kolo Muani netted his fifth goal for the senior France team, capitalizing on a seamless right-to-left maneuver executed alongside Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. Dembele played a wide-left pass to Kylian Mbappe, who delivered a precise cross to the back post. Kolo Muani rose above the defenders and headed the ball into the net, marking France’s first goal from open play in the tournament.
Lamine Yamal’s equalizer was an absolute worldly, marking the first open-play goal conceded by France in this tournament. Meanwhile, Dani Olmo, who found the back of the net in the two previous knockout rounds, effortlessly put Spain in the lead with three exceptional touches.
The first half of the game showcased an exceptional display of skill, with these three moments standing out as the highlights.
Are Spain Favorites To Win Euro 2024?
Spain is back in the final of a major event for the first time since their golden generation ruled from 2008 to 2012. No matter who they play in the final on Sunday, they will be heavy favorites to win their fourth European Championship.
The present La Roja squad is a far cry from the one that won championships with a technically superior but risk-free possession style. Luis de la Fuente’s team has an amazing style of play that sets them apart from the rest of the teams in this tournament. The midfielders have a unique way to push forward, with midfielders Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo making powerful runs into the box. The dynamic wide players Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal effectively stretch the opposing full-backs, creating space for number nine Alvaro Morata to exploit between the center-backs.
The performance of these young athletes and their team in this tournament is truly remarkable. They are likely to be the favorites of most neutrals on Sunday, regardless of whether they face England or the Netherlands.
About The Author
Oladimeji has spent his entire life devoted to playing and watching sports of all kinds. From Soccer to Tennis to NBA and NFL, Oladimeji follows it all. Aside from football, Oladimeji loves writing, engaging in intellectual discourse, and sharpening his critical thinking skills. By his writing, he aspires to engage others in conversation and spread knowledge. Oladimeji’s commitment to his writing, sports, and personal interests reflects his well-rounded approach to life and his continuous pursuit of growth and excellence.
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