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Lamine Yamal Shines as Spain Edge France 5-4 in Nations League Thriller.
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France nearly equalise after stunning comeback from 4 goals down.
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Spain face Portugal in final; Ballon d’Or buzz grows for Yamal.
Spanish teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, delivered another standout performance as Spain overcame France 5-4 in a pulsating UEFA Nations League semi-final clash on Thursday night.
The 17-year-old Barcelona forward scored twice and played a key role in guiding Spain to the final, where they will face Portugal on Sunday, June 8, at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Spain stormed into the lead in the 22nd minute through Nico Williams, assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal. Mikel Merino made it 2-0 just three minutes later, capping off a dominant opening half.
By the 54th minute, Yamal had netted a penalty to stretch the lead to 3-0, and Pedri added a fourth moments later. With Spain cruising at 4-0, France appeared to be out of the contest.
Yamal’s second goal came in the 67th minute after a dazzling solo run past Clément Lenglet, firing Spain into a 5-1 lead. His performance under pressure continued to bolster his emerging Ballon d’Or campaign.
France, however, refused to go quietly. Kylian Mbappé converted a penalty in the 59th minute. Rayan Cherki struck a thunderous volley in the 79th, followed by an own goal from Dani Vivian in the 84th. Randal Kolo Muani’s stoppage-time header made it 5-4, but Spain held firm, thanks to key saves from Unai Simon.
Spain now prepare to face Portugal in the final. Portugal secured their spot after defeating Germany, and will aim to reclaim the title they won in 2019.
All eyes will be on Yamal, whose display has drawn comparisons with football’s elite. A defining performance in the final could further cement his place in the Ballon d’Or conversation.
