In a crazy game, Spain beats France and guarantees a place in the Nations League final
The Spanish team seemed to have the win assured, but the Gauls did not give up until the last breath and closed the gap on the scoreboard, in what was one of the best games of the year.
There will be an Iberian clash in the Nations League final! La Roja put on a real festival of goals and great football for the French and will have the opportunity to defend their title against Portugal. Spain beat France 5-4 with goals from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, Lamine Yamal and Pedri González. Mbappé, Cherki, an own goal from Vivian and Muani reduced the deficit for the French, who kept getting closer until the last minute.
The Spanish team put on a brilliant display with a cocktail of creativity, efficiency and excellent combinations, where the ball circulated with great ease. Oyarzabal was one of the standouts, as were Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal who once again confirmed all his genius.
The first half was quite lively with many attacking initiatives from each team, with those led by La Fuente being particularly dangerous and also effective.
In addition to the several chances for goal, the efficiency distinguished ‘la roja’, since the Gauls saw all their shots blocked by Unai Simón, who was a real wall between the posts.
The reigning Nations League holders could have taken the lead at any moment and the inevitable happened in the 22nd minute. Following a great move, Lamine Yamal passed to Oyarzabal, who set up Nico Willimas. The Athletic Bilbao winger fired a right-footed shot past Maignan .
However, after three minutes, the advantage was extended with a goal from Mikel Merino, who lived up to his early days as a striker for Arsenal and made no mistake . Oyarzabal provided the assist again, having received a pass from Zubimendi.
France tried to react through Désiré Doué and Dembele, but Unai Simón said ‘no’
The second half began and new opportunities were foreseen for the result to change again. France came out strong and could have scored, but the team was unable to be efficient in the last moment.
However, everything was going well for Spain and, in the 53rd minute, a foul by Rabiot, inside the area, on Lamine Yamal made it 3-0. The young Barcelona player wanted to take responsibility and successfully converted .
Just like in the first half, after two minutes, Pedri also scored , after receiving a pass from Nico Williams inside the area and finishing over the French goalkeeper.
The game showed no signs of cooling down and the referee once again pointed to the 11-meter mark, but this time in favor of France. Mbappé was fouled and successfully took the penalty himself .
La Fuente’s team did not want to slow down and Yamal did his thing again and scored a brace , finishing low after a pass from Pedro Porro.
France did not give up and their resilience, perhaps in an attempt to avoid humiliation, almost led to a draw. In the 79th minute, Cherki scored the second goal with a great first-time shot . A few minutes later, the French approached the area and a cross resulted in a poor clearance by Vivian who put the ball into his own goal .
The minutes were drawing to a close, but injury time still saw the score at 5-4, with France breathing a sigh of relief and keeping hope alive. In the 90+4 minute, Kolo Muani reduced the deficit to just one goal and ensured that France were still in the game.
The game remained open until the end, but Spain managed to win and have the opportunity to retain the title next Sunday. With this result, Portugal and Spain will face each other in the final of the Nations League.
