In a dramatic match, Spain beat France 5-4 to advance to the final.Nine goals were scored in the match, with a combined total of 40 shots on goal, and it was a very intense game.While the coaches may not have liked the pace, the fans will surely remember this exciting match.
With this victory, Spain not only showed their powerful offense, but also proved that their team has entered a new era.The average age of this team is less than 25 years old, but the way they play is both modern and dynamic.Many are beginning to believe that this young Spanish team may be able to shine at the 2026 World Cup.
Starts strong, leads by 4 goals at one point
At the beginning of the match, Spain showed a strong desire to attack.They scored consecutive goals in the first hour and soon took a 4-0 lead over their opponents.
One of the most impressive performers was 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.He scored two goals in the game and was one of the brightest players in the game.On top of that, Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, and Pedri all contributed goals or assists.
By the 58th minute the score was 5-1 and it looked like the game was out of reach.
France rises to the occasion and the game is once again tense
However, things didn’t go according to the script.In the last 30 minutes of the match, France came out of nowhere and scored three goals in one go.Their substitute Rayan Cherki was outstanding, scoring a goal and dishing out an assist.Dani Vivian scored an own goal, while Randal Kolo Muani also scored a goal.
Nonetheless, Spain withstood the pressure and held on for the win.In the end, they beat France 5-4 to advance to the final.
Looking at the stats, Spain had 54% of the time of possession and attempted a total of 18 shots on goal.However, France also had 22 shots on goal, six of which forced Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon to make key saves.
This also revealed a problem: Spain’s young but inexperienced backline is prone to mistakes against high-pressure defenses.
Coach says: We won, but the process was tough
After the match, Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente said: “I’m very happy to win this game.I like the feeling of being a little bit nervous.”
He went on to say, “It was a matchup between two strong teams and sometimes we lost control.But the most important thing is that we know how to take the game in difficult situations.”
Indeed, the game was not an easy one for Spain.They were nearly turned around after taking the lead, but ultimately held on.
Lamine Yamal: 17-year-old carries the whole team
The most impressive player in this match was undoubtedly 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.He has already scored 6 goals for the Spanish national team, as well as 25 goals for Barcelona.That number in itself speaks volumes about his prowess.
And it’s not just the numbers that look good for Yamal.The skill, judgment and calmness of mind he displays on the field are far superior to many players his age.
Especially when it came to penalties, he didn’t panic but steadily sent the ball into the goal.He then finished the second goal with a light touch, showing great confidence and skill.
One commentator said, “When a young man stands in front of you and shows such talent, it’s really hard to question him.”
France’s players are inconsistent, with obvious problems in defense
In contrast, France’s two hopefuls – Dembele and Doué – did not play as expected.Dembele had a shot that hit the post, while Doué created a number of chances but was always just a little short of accuracy at key moments.
However, France didn’t give up easily.Despite being down by 4 goals at one point, they still kept their fighting spirit high.In the whole game, they completed a total of 22 shots, of which 11 were on target, the offensive firepower is very powerful.
Especially the substitute Rajan Cherki, his performance was surprising.His long range shot from outside the box was considered one of the best goals of the match.In addition, he also assisted his teammates to score, showing great potential.
According to media reports, Liverpool and Manchester City and other big clubs have already started to pay attention to the 21-year-old French starlet.
Defense is France’s biggest shortcoming
Although the French team is doing well on the offensive side, their defense has become the biggest weakness.Especially Pierre Kaloulou and Clement Langrée in the back line, the two did not work well together and often made mistakes.
Kaloulou made his first appearance for the national team on his birthday, while Langré returned to the field after three years.Obviously, they still need more time to adapt to the high-intensity pace of the game.
French manager Deschamps admitted after the match: “I’m not trying to blame anyone, but today our defense was not as united as before.Spain played really well.”
A new generation of Spanish soccer is on the rise
This semi-final is not only a battle between two strong teams, but also a symbol of the rise of a new generation of players in European soccer.
The Spanish players are all very young, with the oldest only 28 years old.But the way they play football is very mature, both organized and creative.
Players like Nico Williams, Pedri, Oyarzábal, all played well in the tournament.And of course, there are talented youngsters like Yamal, who together form the future of Spanish soccer.
Although there are still some areas that need to be improved, such as the easy distraction in the late stages of the game, overall the team has shown a very distinctive character: strong ball control, aggressive pressing, and someone who can always step up and change the game.
One sports journalist commented, “The way Spain play is like a performance, they know they are strong and are willing to show that.”
Conclusion: A match for the future
Overall, the Spain vs. France match was not only an exciting soccer match, but also a demonstration of the future trend of soccer.
The Spanish team showed us that youth is not a weakness, but the biggest strength.They beat their opponents with skill and speed, and at the same time won the hearts of their fans.
For those who love soccer, this game is undoubtedly a signal – the era of the new generation of players has come.
