Spain booked their place in the UEFA Nations League final with a dramatic 5-4 win over France on Thursday in Stuttgart, setting up a clash with Portugal, who defeated Germany 2-1 a day earlier.
The Spaniards raced into an early lead with goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Merino in the 22nd and 25th minutes respectively, both assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal.
The momentum remained with Spain as 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal converted from the penalty spot in the 54th minute to make it 3-0.
Just a minute later, Pedri added a fourth goal after another fine move involving Williams, put Spain in complete control of the game
Although Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 59th minute, Yamal responded almost immediately with his second of the night in the 67th minute to restore Spain’s four-goal advantage at 5-1.
MUST READ: Osun Free Train Service Conveys Over 2,000 Travellers For Sallah Celebration
France, however, mounted a fierce late comeback as Rayan Cherki scored in the 79th minute, followed by an own goal from Dani Vivian in the 84th.
Substitute Randal Kolo Muani added a fourth in stoppage time, assisted by Cherki, but it proved too little too late for Didier Deschamps’ side.
Following the victory, Portugal and Spain will meet in the final on Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich
while Germany will face France in the third-place play-off.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
