Varsha
Spain defeated France 5-4 in a thrilling UEFA Nations League semi-final at Stuttgart’s MHPArena to secure their place in the final, against Portugal. Michael Oliver officiated the match in front of 51,724 spectators. It was a display of both attacking prowess as well as resilience on behalf of both European giants.
Goal scorers
Spain:
- Nico Williams Arthuer (22′)
- Mikel Merino Zazon (25′)
- Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana (penalty 47′, 66′)
- Pedro Gonzalez Lopez (Pedri) (48′)
France:
- Kylian Mbappe (penalty 65′).
- Mathis Rayan Cherki (70′)
- Daniel Vivian Moreno, own goal (75′).
- Randal Kolo Muani (90+2′)
Match Statistics
- Possession: Spain 58% – 42% France
- Shots at Target: Spain vs. France 6 – 5.
- Total Shots: Spain 12 – 10 France
- Corners: Spain 4 – 6 France
- Fouls Committed: Spain 9 – 14 France
- Yellow Card: Spain – France 2 – 2.
Match in brief: Spain’s clinical edge
Both teams had early scoring chances. Nico Williams scored the first goal for Spain in 22 minutes, followed three minutes later by Mikel Merino. Lamine Yamal scored a penalty to extend the lead shortly after halftime. Pedri then added a quick fourth goal. Mbappe and Cherki scored for France, while Kolo Muani and Daniel Vivian also scored. But Spain held on to the victory.
Lamine Yamal, Player of the Match
Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old from Algeria, delivered an outstanding performance. He scored twice and consistently troubled the French defense with dribbling. His contribution was pivotal to Spain’s win and has further cemented his reputation as a rising star in football.
Line-ups
Spain:
- Unai Simon
- Pedro Porro
- Robin Le Normand (Daniel Vivian Moreno 77′)
- Dean Huijsen
- Marc Cucurella
- Mikel Merino Zazon (Gavi 90+1′)
- Martin Zubimendi
- Pedro Gonzalez Lopez (Fabian Ruiz 64′)
- Lamine Yamal Nasraoui Ebana
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Samu 77′)
- Nico Williams Arthuer (Dani Olmo 64′)
France:
- Mike Maignan
- Pierre Kalulu (Malo Gusto 63′)
- Ibrahima Konate
- Clement Lenglet (Lucas Hernandez 72′)
- Theo Hernandez
- Youssouf Kone
- Adrien Rabiot
- Ousmane Dembele (Randal Kolo Muani 76′)
- Michael Olise
- Desire Doue (Bradley Barcola 63′)
- Kylian Mbappe Lottin
What’s Next?
- Final: Spain vs. Portugal
- Date: Sunday, 8 June
- Time: 21:00 CET
- Venue: Allianz Arena
- Playoff for Third Place: France and Germany
- Date: Sunday, 8 June
- Time: 15:00 CET
- Venue: MHPArena, Stuttgart
FAQs
Lamine Yamil was rightfully named the Man of Match for his two goals, and overall impact of the game.
The pre-match analysis suggested that this match would be a close contest with France’s depth in attack and Spain’s control of midfield being the main points. Spain’s recent performance and tactical discipline, however, gave them an edge.
France has won two FIFA World Cups (1998, 2018), and two UEFA European Championships (2000, 1984). Spain has won one World Cup (2010), and three European Championships (2008, 2012, 1964). Spain has been the winner in recent matches, including this 5-4 win.
The conclusion
Spain’s win over France in a high-scoring semi-final highlights their attacking flair. Questions arise as they prepare to play Portugal in the final. Will Spain’s offensive strength continue to overshadow their defensive weaknesses in the final match?
