Spain holds off furious France comeback to reach Nations League final

FC Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal scored two goals as Spain eliminated France in the Nations League semi-finals despite a late burst by Les Bleus, setting up a final clash between the European Champions and Portugal.

Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal.

Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France’s makeshift defence to ribbons.

Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions.

Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal.

France’s three late goals — a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani — were not enough.

Yamal, still just 17, said Spain “deserved to win.”

“It was a great game — at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well,” he added.

“We’re going to remember this one for a long time.”

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Spain holds off furious France comeback to reach Nations League final

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