By Sachit Subba • Football • Jun 06, 2025 04:16 AM • 180 views
STUTTGART, Germany — On a night of unrelenting drama and attacking brilliance, Spain booked their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a pulsating 5-4 victory over France at the MHP Arena on Thursday — a match that will surely go down as one of the tournament's most unforgettable encounters.
Teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal stole the show with a dazzling brace, while Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, and Pedri also found the net in a whirlwind Spanish display that stunned the visitors. France, for their part, mounted a late rally led by Kylian Mbappé, Rayan Cherki, and Randal Kolo Muani but ultimately fell short in a contest that swung wildly from start to finish.
The hosts flew out of the blocks with electric pace and precision. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a slick one-two, slotting past Mike Maignan with poise. Just three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the advantage with a powerful header that left the French defence shell-shocked.
Spain continued to dominate after the break. Yamal converted a 54th-minute penalty with icy calm after Jules Koundé was judged to have handled inside the box. Less than 60 seconds later, Pedri added a fourth, tapping home after a dazzling run by Williams down the left.
At 4-0, it seemed the contest was sealed — but France, with their array of attacking firepower, had other ideas.
Mbappé pulled one back from the spot in the 59th minute after Pau Torres clipped Randal Kolo Muani. But Spain hit straight back — Yamal was once again on target in the 64th minute with a composed finish that capped off a brilliant counterattack.
Then came France's spirited late push. Cherki's strike in the 79th minute reduced the deficit to 5-2. An unfortunate own goal by Dani Vivian in the 84th gave the French further hope, and Kolo Muani's injury-time header made it 5-4, setting up a nerve-jangling final few minutes.
But Spain held on, with goalkeeper Unai Simón making a crucial stop in stoppage time to deny Mbappé a dramatic equalizer.
For Spain, this win marks not just progression to the final but a coming-of-age moment for their young core — with Yamal, in particular, announcing himself on the world stage with a performance of maturity and flair well beyond his years.
Spain will now face a familiar foe in the final: Portugal, who edged past Germany 2-1 in the other semifinal. It sets up a tantalizing Iberian showdown between two of Europe's most in-form teams, both brimming with youth, ambition, and attacking talent.
