After Randal Kolo Muani knocked in Kylian Mbappe’s cross to provide France an early lead, Yamal blasted home a stunning strike from outside the box, setting a new record at the age of 16 years and 362 days.
Yamal scored in the 21st minute, and Spain took the lead four minutes later when France defender Jules Kounde converted Dani Olmo’s shot. France needed to come out fighting after a thrilling first half, and they did, with Aurelien Tchouameni’s header saved and Mbappe’s ambitious effort denied. The France captain, playing without a mask on for the initial time since breaking his nose at the beginning of the tournament, had a great chance to equalize late on, but he shot high over the crossbar in a moment that summed up his recent performance.
Yamal’s star continues to rise for Spain throughout Euro Cup
While Spain has been the most attacking team in the tournament thus far, they have shown that they can defend as well, keeping them on track for a fourth European Championship title. Spain are deserving finalists after being the best team at the Euros, winning all six games and scoring a tournament-high 13 goals.
Their younger players have undoubtedly shone, with Yamal and 21-year-old winger Nico Williams making headlines at various points. The forward is not yet 17 years old, but he has already had a fantastic breakout season at Barcelona, becoming their youngest-ever player and goalscorer . He’s taken that to the international stage, becoming the youngest man to score at the European Championship, demonstrating confidence far beyond his years. France, for their part, struggled offensively against a team that will be difficult to stop when they face either England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final.
