The Spanish national team returned to the Euro final since last doing so in 2012 or 12 years ago. Playing against France at the Allianz Arena, on Wednesday (10/07) in the Euro 2024 semifinals, La Furia Roja won 2-1 after being one goal behind.
With that record, Spain became the first team to achieve six consecutive wins in a single edition of the Euros. Spain will face the winner of the match between England and the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 Germany final.
Spain was without Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal who were suspended. Luis de la Fuente brought on Jesus Navas and Nacho Fernandez as their replacements in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Meanwhile, France played with a 4-3-3 tactic, relying on the trident of Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembele in the front line.
France, who had never scored from open play in the tournament, struck first against Spain with a goal in the eighth minute. Starting from a cross from Mbappe, Muani showed his superiority in the aerial duel and headed the ball to the goal. France won 1-0.
The French goal advantage did not make Spain panic. Spain actually increased the intensity of the attack by possessing their ball. As a result, the equalizer was born in the 21st minute.
Spain's 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal danced through a crowd of French players and slotted the ball - with his left foot - into the right corner of the French goal. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan could not keep it out. Spain levelled the score at 1-1.
The momentum continued for Spain who did not give any breath to the French players to develop the game. Four minutes later Spain made a comeback.
From RB Leipzig player Dani Olmo's quick penetration, the French players were powerless to stop him when his hard kick from inside the penalty box resulted in a goal even though it hit Jules Kounde, who wanted to clear the ball. Spain closed the first half with a score of 2-1.
In the second half, Spain tried to control the rhythm of the game when they had the ball, while France had no choice but to play aggressively to try to score. Ammunition from the bench was brought on by Didier Deschamps with the entry of Antoine Griezmann, Bradley Barcola, and Olivier Giroud.
However, Spain played with experience and collectivity to maintain the lead. France had no 'answer' for Spain's second goal scored by Dani Olmo.
Moreover, France's star and mainstay player, Mbappe, was not at his best. Real Madrid's new striker had a moment to score an equalizer near the end of the match, but his shot soared high above the Spanish goal.
Spain held on well to beat France 2-1, advancing to the Euro final for the first time since 2012.
Lineups
Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Marc Cucurella, Aymeric Laporte, Nacho Fernandez, Jesus Navas (Daniel Vivian 58'); Fabian Ruiz, Rodri; Nico Williams (Martin Zubimendi 90+3'), Dani Olmo (Mikel Merino 76'), Lamine Yamal (Ferran Torres 90+4'); Alvaro Morata (Mikel Oyarzabal 76')
Coach: Luis de la Fuente
France (4-3-3): Mike Maignan; Theo Hernandez, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Jules Kounde; Adrien Rabiot (Eduardo Camavinga 62'), Aurelien Tchouameni, N'Golo Kante (Antoine Griezmann 62'); Kylian Mbappe, Randal Kolo Muani (Bradley Barcola 62'), Ousmane Dembele (Olivier Giroud 79')
Coach: Didier Deschamps