The Spanish national team's progress was unstoppable at Euro 2024, reaching their first final since 2012. La Furia Roja swept all six matches with wins and most recently, France, became a 'victim' of Spain's ferocity.
The 2018 World Cup champions and Euro 2016 finalists lost 1-2 to Spain in the semifinals played at the Allianz Arena, on Wednesday (10/07) early morning IST. Having taken the lead through a goal from Randal Kolo Muani (8'), Spain replied with two goals from Lamine Yamal (21') and Dani Olmo (25').
Spain had 59 percent possession to France's 41 percent, and also registered six shots (two on target) to France's nine (three on target).
" Spain never ceases to amaze. They know how to defend in important games. They know when to hold the ball and when to run. Hopefully, they can go on and win the title," said former Spain midfielder Mario Suarez on Rtve.
Spain is the only team to have won six straight matches at a single European Championship. France was also eliminated in the semi-finals of a major tournament, either the World Cup or the European Championship, for the first time since Euro 1996.
Action Star: Lamine Yamal
Adding to his three assists at Euro 2024, Lamine Yamal also got on the scoresheet with a goal against France. It was a goal that raised Spain's hopes of a comeback.
Yamal became the youngest player to score at a major tournament at the age of 16 years and 362 days, a record previously held by Brazilian legend Pele against Wales at the 1958 World Cup (17 years and 239 days).
The goal scored by the FC Barcelona winger was also special. Yamal was surrounded by French players, but he calmly turned the ball to the right side of the French goal and left Mike Maignan helpless to save it.
In total, during 89 minutes of play, Yamal scored one goal with a total of three attempts on goal, recording a top speed of 32.1 kilometres per hour. Yamal was the catalyst for Spain against France.
"His superb equaliser was crucial for Spain to get back into the game," said UEFA's technical observer.
"At such a young age, he works hard defensively and is a threat in possession, impressing with his positioning and forming a productive partnership with Jesus Navas on the right."