Spain are the first team through to the 2024 European Championships final after beating France 2-2 in a thriller, but tonight was all about Lamine Yamal who stole the show, shattered the records, and had time to stick it to France's Adrien Rabiot over a ninety-minute classic.
Despite Spain bursting out of the blocks, it was France who struck first, with a sublime Kylian Mbappe cross finding Muani's head and the net after just eight minutes.
🇫🇷 v 🇪🇸
France have scored their first goal from open play of these championships... Spain 0-1 France in Munich.#RTEsoccer #EURO2024
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📱 FOLLOW Updates https://t.co/YXqp4pbqKj pic.twitter.com/Ogdb2dzprh— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 9, 2024
It was a short-lived lead however, with 16-year-old Lamine Yamal delivering the moment of the match, possibly even the tournament, when he capped off a fantastic opening quarter by equalising with a long range missile. All while making himself the youngest-ever player to score at a Euros or World Cup.
The Spanish fans were barely back in their seats when the stadium erupted for a third time, as Spain's Dani Olmo fired his side ahead with a well-worked goal just four minutes after their first.
While Didier Dechamp's men had their share of chances in the second half, their work was in vain, with Spain's brick wall repelling onslaught after onslaught to progress to the final.
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Lamine Yamal has last laugh over Adrien Rabiot after social media spat
Speaking in the buildup to tonight's game, French midfielder Adrien Rabiot had plenty to say about Lamine Yamal, claiming that 'If Lamine wants to play in the final he will have to do more things than he has done so far'.
While Yamal may only be 16, he was quick to respond on Instagram putting up a cryptic message that read 'Move in silence, only speak when it's time to say checkmate'.
🗣️ Adrien Rabiot before the match: "If Lamine wants to play in the final he will have to do more things than he has done so far."
Lamine Yamal on IG this morning: pic.twitter.com/sC2aCrMlR5
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) July 9, 2024
Well if tonight was a game of chess - all there was for Yamal to say was 'Checkmate'.
Not only did he become the youngest ever scorer at a Euros or World Cup but he did it (whether by chance or design) by turning his agitator Adrien Rabiot to fire away a long-range missile.
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We're all square in Munich - and what a way to draw level. Spain's teen sensation Lamine Yamal with an absolute pearler.
Spain 1-1 France.#RTEsoccer #EURO2024
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📱 FOLLOW Updates https://t.co/YXqp4pbqKj pic.twitter.com/1HPhzadTH6— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 9, 2024
For those watching, there was no doubt that it was the beginning of something special where Yamal will have plenty more checkmates before his career is over, possibly before he even turns 18.
A sentiment that the BBC panel couldn't hide their excitement about, with Alan Shearer ecstatic at the prospect.
Just incredible, we've been talking about him all tournament and saying what a ridiculously young age he is, 16, to come and perform at this level under this scrutiny.
Then to do that, it's just outrageous. Its that late he shouldn't even be up at night never mind playing in the semi-final of the European Championships.
Spain and Lamine Yamal now face the winner of tomorrow night's semi-final between England and the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 final this Sunday the 14th. Where all eyes will be on the youngster to see what he can deliver.
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