Spain is the first finalist of EURO 2024

France and Spain faced off in the semi-finals of the European Football Championship held in Germany. The match, officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, was played at the Allianz Arena. Dani Carvajal, who received a red card in Spain's quarter-final match against Germany, and Robin Le Normand, who was suspended due to yellow cards, were not in the squad.

Jesus Navas, who found a chance to play at right-back in place of Carvajal, became the oldest player (38) in tournament history to play in a semi-final, while the young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal went down in history as the youngest player to feature in this round. The French found the first goal in the high-tempo match.

In the 9th minute, Kylian Mbappe met the ball on the left side of the penalty area and crossed to the back post, where Kolo Muani headed the ball into the net. In the 21st minute, Spain's Lamine Yamal equalized for his team with a finesse shot from in front of the penalty arc that hit the post before going into the net. The Spaniards took the lead 4 minutes later. Dani Olmo controlled the ball, which deflected off the defense following a cross from Jesus Navas, skillfully evaded his opponent, and fired a shot that Kounde could not stop on the line, sending the ball into the net. The teams headed to the locker rooms with a score of 2-1.

The French started the second half effectively, creating 2 clear chances. Although France's attacks continued in the remaining time, no more goals were scored, and Luis de la Fuente's students left the pitch with a 2-1 victory.

Spain, having written its name in the final, has reached the final of the European Championship for the 5th time in history.

Lamine Yamal (16 years, 362 days), who found the back of the French net, managed to break the record for the youngest player to score in European Championship history.

News Source: İHA