Lamine Yamal Leads Spain Past France in Thriller \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal dazzled with two goals as Spain defeated France 5-4 in a high-octane Nations League semifinal. Despite a late French surge, Spain held firm to book a final clash with Portugal. Yamal’s breakout performance overshadowed France’s tired stars and secured Spain’s spot in history.
Quick Looks
- Lamine Yamal scores twice in Spain’s 5-4 semifinal win.
- Spain advances to final against Portugal after thrilling game.
- French stars Doué and Dembélé struggle after PSG’s recent schedule.
- Match sets record as highest-scoring in Nations League history.
- France nearly stages comeback with late goals from subs.
- Kylian Mbappé scores penalty; Rayan Cherki impresses off the bench.
- Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, and Pedri also net for Spain.
- Spanish defense falters late but holds out for victory.
Deep Look
In a Nations League semifinal for the ages, Spain edged France 5-4 in an explosive nine-goal thriller that showcased both the brilliance of young talent and the unpredictability of elite football. The undisputed star of the night was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who scored twice and orchestrated Spain’s attacking momentum with a composure that belied his age.
This match, played Thursday evening, will be remembered not only for its goal fest—the highest-scoring match in UEFA Nations League history—but also as the moment Yamal cemented his place as a rising global star, outshining high-profile French counterparts Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé. With this victory, Spain secured a place in Sunday’s final against Portugal, who overcame host nation Germany 2-1 in the other semifinal.
Yamal Steals the Spotlight
Billed as a face-off between football’s most exciting young stars, the semifinal turned into a personal showcase for Yamal. The Barcelona wonderkid displayed breathtaking vision, pace, and finishing ability, leaving defenders flat-footed and pundits scrambling for superlatives. French hopes were pinned on PSG talents Doué and Dembélé, but just days after their grueling Champions League final win in Munich, they looked leg-weary and largely ineffective.
Yamal’s first major contribution came in the 22nd minute. He threaded a pinpoint pass through France’s midfield to Mikel Oyarzabal, who shielded the ball from two defenders before laying it off to Nico Williams. Williams rifled it into the roof of the net to give Spain a 1-0 lead. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the advantage after executing a slick one-two with Oyarzabal, slicing through the French defense with ease.
Despite flashes of threat from Théo Hernandez, Kylian Mbappé, and Dembélé—who forced crucial saves from Spain’s Unai Simón—France lacked the sharpness needed to stop a rampant Spain. Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen thought he’d added a third for Spain with a stunning strike off a cleverly executed free kick, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Still, Spain’s dominance was unmistakable.
A Second-Half Masterclass and a Shaky Finish
Spain resumed after the break with the same intensity. In the 54th minute, Adrien Rabiot brought down Yamal in the penalty area. The teenager confidently stepped up and slotted the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan to make it 3-0. Just one minute later, Pedri made it 4-0, finishing off a silky move by taking Williams’ pass on the turn and dinking the ball over the flailing Maignan.
France’s defensive structure collapsed under Spain’s creative pressure, and it looked like the game was headed for a rout. But in a surprise twist, France attempted to claw their way back into the match. A foul by Pedro Porro gave Mbappé a chance from the spot in the 67th minute, and the French captain converted to make it 4-1.
Yamal responded almost immediately with his second of the night, calmly poking the ball past Maignan for Spain’s fifth goal. At 5-1, the result seemed beyond doubt.
But France, led by their bench players, mounted a desperate and inspired late comeback. Substitute Rayan Cherki marked his debut with a sharp goal, taking advantage of a momentary lapse in the Spanish defense. Daniel Vivian then mistakenly redirected the ball into his own net, making it 5-3. With momentum shifting, Cherki turned provider in stoppage time, assisting Randal Kolo Muani for France’s fourth goal.
The French revival nearly completed one of the most improbable comebacks in Nations League history. Spain, who had earlier dropped their intensity believing the match was won, suddenly found themselves defending frantically to avoid disaster. The final whistle came as a relief to La Roja, who had done just enough to reach the final.
Spain’s New Golden Generation?
This semifinal wasn’t just a win for Spain—it was a statement. With Yamal, Williams, Pedri, Huijsen, and Oyarzabal all under 25, Spain seems to be cultivating a new golden generation. Their high-pressing style, fluid movement, and attacking creativity overwhelmed France for long stretches.
Yamal’s performance was particularly remarkable. Already drawing comparisons to Lionel Messi for his vision and poise, the youngster seems destined for superstardom. Scoring two goals and winning a penalty in a semifinal at just 17 is the kind of performance that elevates a player into Ballon d’Or conversations.
“It was a great game,” Yamal said after the match. “In the end it was a little close, but we played very well and I think deserved to win.”
Spain’s midfield also deserves praise. Mikel Merino and Pedri controlled the tempo, dictated possession, and opened up passing lanes with precision. Their coordination with the front line made Spain almost unplayable at times.
Fatigue and Fractures in France’s Lineup
On the French side, the story was one of unfulfilled potential and visible exhaustion. PSG stars Doué and Dembélé were off pace, likely affected by their club’s Champions League schedule. Didier Deschamps’ squad looked heavy-legged, especially during the first 60 minutes when Spain dominated possession and territory.
While the substitutes—especially Cherki—breathed life into the squad late in the game, France will be left wondering why they didn’t adjust sooner. Mbappé, while scoring a penalty, was largely contained by Spain’s defense until the game opened up in the final stages.
This defeat will prompt soul-searching for Deschamps and his staff, particularly regarding squad rotation and tactical flexibility. France showed they have the depth to fight back, but not the resilience to compete with a sharper, younger Spanish team from the first whistle.
Lamine Yamal Leads Spain Lamine Yamal Leads Spain
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