Euro 2024: wonderkid Yamal on target as Spain edge France to reach final

Yamal, 16, becomes youngest scorer in a Euro or World Cup tournament to help send Spain through

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Spain’s players celebrate after their victory over France in the Euro 2024 semi-finals. Photo: AP

Published: 5:29am, 10 Jul 2024Updated: 1:06pm, 11 Jul 2024

Spain struck twice in five minutes in a pulsating first half to secure a 2-1 comeback win over France as a record-breaking goal from teenager Lamine Yamal and a Dani Olmo effort propelled them into the Euro 2024 final.

Yamal, 16, cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener with a sublime shot in the 21st minute to become the youngest scorer in a Euro or World Cup tournament before Olmo added another in the 25th for his third goal in the knockout stage.

The Spaniards, who have won every game of the tournament so far, will now face the winners of the semi-final between England and Netherlands in the final in Berlin as they hunt a record-breaking fourth European crown.

Spain had an early chance when Yamal, the youngest player to feature in a World Cup or Euro semi-final, floated a cross to the far post but Fabian Ruiz headed over the bar.

Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest scorer at a major tournament with his goal against Spain. Photo: AP

France did better from an almost identical move in the ninth minute with Kylian Mbappe, playing without a mask after breaking his nose earlier in the tournament, crossing for Kolo Muani to head in their first goal from open play at Euro 2024.