Euro 2024: Spain through to the final following a 2-1 win over France

Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo scored to erase an early deficit as Spain beat France 2-1 to progress to the final of Euro 2024.

The first half between these two sides was arguably one of the best in the entire competition. Spain could very well have gone ahead early as Yamal delivered one of his patented crosses to an unmarked Fabian Ruiz. The PSG midfielder got his header all wrong as it sailed over the bar.

Spain would come to regret not capitalizing as in a similar play, Kylian Mbappe sent in a cross of his own to Kolo Muani. The difference this time around is Muani's header was on target as France took the lead. That goal was the first, and only, goal from open play for France.

Despite being down, Spain continued to play their game, keeping possession and trying to find space for Yamal and Nico Williams.

The breakthrough would come in the 21st minute as Yamal unleashed a curler from outside the box, hitting the post and tying the game for Spain.

It was Yamal's first goal of the Euros and it made him the youngest goal scorer in the Euros at just 16 years old.

"I was aiming for exactly the top corner where my shot went in and that was a feeling of pure elation," Yamal said after the game. "I try not to think too much about what's going on. I just want to enjoy myself and help the team. I came here to win all the matches so that I could celebrate my birthday here in Germany with all of my teammates.

Spain didn't have to wait long to take the lead as only four minutes later, Dani Olmo danced away from Aurelien Tchouameni before taking a shot on goal. His shot was deflected by Jules Kounde and into the back of the net. The goal was eventually awarded to Olmo as it looked like it was going to be a goal regardless if Kounde got a touch on it or not.

"I know what he's capable of. He only needed time to overcome an injury, integrate and recover the pace and rhythm that he needed," manager Luis de la Fuente said about Olmo.

"I am grateful to Dani for what he brings to us on the pitch. I'm grateful for being able to lead 26 geniuses on the pitch. We're fortunate to have a very young Spanish team with a lot of presence and future, and Dani is one of our standard-bearers these days."

Needing a goal to equalize, France got into the game more during the second half and had a passage where they pinned Spain back. They created a couple of opportunities to get that equalizer. Theo Hernandez had a free hit near the penalty area that he send over the bar. Kylian Mbappe did the same with his effort late in the game.

In the end, France were unable to get that equalizer and bow out of the tournament, unable to defend their title.

As for Spain, the better team came out ahead. The best team in the tournament, the team who have shown the most cohesion, is through to the final.

"I'm thrilled that we are in the final but we still haven't done the most important thing which is win this," Yamal said. "There were difficult moments for us out there. None of us expected to concede that early."

Spain did well to hold France at bay considering they were playing with a makeshift defense as Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand were serving suspensions. Nacho did well at center-back while 38-year-old Jesus Navas showed his age, which is why he was replaced in the second half.

In any case, De la Fuente saw what wasn't working and made the right change.

Spain aren't resting on their laurels and as Yamal said, they know their job isn't done.

They are going to prepare for the final and to go out and win it regardless who is on the othert side.

"Now we are really close. One step away," Olmo said. "We have an incredible team -- we work so hard to achieve all this. Above all, we deserve to be in this final. What a great match we produced. I don't care if it's England or the Netherlands we face.

The final is set to take place on July 24 at the Olympiastadion Berlin stadium in Berlin.