Yamal – at the tender age of 16 years and 362 days – struck a stunning equaliser and Dani Olmo quickly added what turned out to be the winner as Spain recovered from Randal Kolo Muani’s header to win 2-1 and book a date with England or the Netherlands in Sunday’s final. Kolo Muani had headed France in front from close range but Les Bleus were upstaged by the Barcelona teenager, who turns 17 on Saturday. It was a moment to cherish as Yamal jinked to his left then moved to his right, allowing space back on his left foot to beat Mike Maignan from 25 yards with a precise curling shot that went in off a post.
Spain’s victory saw them become the first side to win six consecutive games at the Euros without the need for penalties. Yamal – beating Pele’s record as the youngest player to feature in a major tournament semi-final – posted early notice of his threat with a pinpoint fifth-minute cross that Fabian Ruiz headed over from inside the six-yard box. On the same flank, France’s captain and talisman Kylian Mbappe was more recognisable both with and without the ball at his feet.
Mbappe had dispensed with the mask he had worn since breaking his nose during France’s opening win over Austria. France had struggled for fluency during the tournament with Mbappe seemingly hampered by the mask but this was a different story as stand-in 38-year-old full-back Jesus Navas had a difficult time early on. Nine minutes had elapsed when Mbappe clipped in a cross that Kolo Muani .
