July 9th 2024.
In a thrilling semi-final encounter, Lamine Yamal scored a breathtaking goal that secured Spain's spot in the Euro 2024 final. Their opponents, should they also make it to the final, have been determined as Spain defeated France 2-1 in a nail-biting match.
France started strong with Randal Kolo Muani scoring the first goal, but their lead was short-lived as Spain quickly turned the game around with goals from Yamal and Dani Olmo in the second half. Despite a determined effort from Didier Deschamps' team to equalize, Spain held on to their lead and secured their first major championship final since the 2012 Euro.
Now, all eyes turn to tomorrow's semi-final between England and the Netherlands. The winner will join Luis De la Fuente's side in Sunday's final. Let's take a look at three things we learned from Spain's impressive performance against France.
Spain showed their attacking prowess, playing at their best with a free-flowing and aggressive style. In a tournament dominated by extra time and a lack of attacking flair, Spain's approach has been a welcome change. Unlike their past performances, where they were hindered by a strict adherence to possession, the current Spanish team's more pragmatic approach has unleashed their attacking potential, making them the most dangerous attacking side in the tournament.
On the other hand, England, who have only managed to score more than one goal in one match so far, may struggle if they face Spain in the final. While Gareth Southgate's tactics have guided England to three semi-finals in their last four major tournaments, their style and lack of fluency could be exposed by the Spanish team.
One of the most exciting moments of the match was when Lamine Yamal made history by becoming the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Euros. His stunning long-range curling effort at just 16 years old was a record-breaking goal that drew Spain level with France. Yamal, who has been a constant threat on the right flank for Spain, along with fellow winger Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, has injected much-needed pace into the Spanish team and will continue to be a major threat in the final.
If England does make it to the final, Southgate will have a tough decision to make at left-back. Should he go with the returning Luke Shaw, who offers more attacking potency, or the dependable Kieran Trippier? However, facing the threat of Yamal on the Spanish right flank may sway Southgate towards a more conservative selection of Trippier.
Finally, Dani Olmo has emerged as the surprise package of the tournament. The RB Leipzig midfielder, who only played 32 minutes in Spain's first two games, has been on fire since he was brought into the starting lineup for their final group game against Albania. With three goals in three consecutive games, including a well-placed finish in the semi-final, Olmo has proven to be a dangerous attacking force for Spain. With Rodri and Fabian Ruiz providing a solid base in midfield, Olmo has been given the freedom to make runs behind Alvaro Morata, causing problems for opposing defenses. If England faces Spain in the final, they will have to keep a close eye on Olmo, in addition to dealing with Morata's physical presence.
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