Spain defeats France 2-1 to enter 2024 Euro final

KATHMANDU: Spain booked its place in the Euro 2024 final with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over France in a tense semifinal clash in Munich early on Wednesday morning.

This is the first major tournament final for Spain since 2012 when La Roja lifted the Euro championship title.

Randal Kolo Muani scored early in the first half to give France a 1-0 lead in the 8th minute of the match. Kolo Muani scored with a header utilizing a beautiful floating pass from Kylian Mbappe.

However, Spain struck twice in five minutes in the first half to take the lead. Young winger Lamine Yamal equalized with a stunning long-range effort becoming the youngest player ever to score at the Euro Championship. He is 16.

Spain took the lead five minutes later. Dani Olmo scored with a powerful shot from close range that deflected off Jules Kounde and flew into the French goal.

Both teams had chances to score in the second half, but neither found the back of the net.

“I’m very happy to have made it to the final,” said man-of-the-match Yamal. “Now the most important thing is to win it. We were in a difficult moment, you wouldn’t expect a goal so soon.”

Spain will now meet the winner of the second semifinal between England and the Netherlands in the final.