A match of absurd proportions that no soccer fan could fault in Stuttgart. Spain's 5-4 victory over France in the Nations League semi-final was marked by incredible technical quality on the pitch, spectacular goals from young talents who are emerging (Cherki) and established in world soccer (Yamal), the physical and tactical imposition of an attacking idea that has already proved to be a winner and the impressive resilience of the current world runners-up.
Under Didier Deschamps, the French team ended up living with the danger of leaving possession to Spain throughout the first half. The French had a couple of really dangerous moves with quick, vertical runs, but Lamine Yamal ended up doubling up the marking, freeing up space for Spain to exchange the ball more in the final third.
Unai Simón was very important in preventing goals from Mbappé, Theo Hernández and Doué, but Spain were rewarded with a goal in the 21st minute, after Nico Williams received a ball very well taken by Oyarzabal. The French felt the impact of the goal they had conceded and Mikel Merino showed no mercy, scoring the second goal off the foot of goalkeeper Maignan.
Contrary to expectations of a controlled game, France showed a new attitude with attempts from Kalulu and Theo Hernández, but a lack of finesse in their finishing allowed Spain to take a 3-0 lead with Yamal's penalty. Three minutes later, Pedri linked up with Nico Williams, and the youngster scored a sensational goal in the build-up.
France gave Spain a huge scare
Mbappe showed all his talent when he conceded a penalty in a fine individual move and reduced the deficit, but Yamal held his marker in the next move and shot across goal to make it 5-1. At this point everyone was already confirming Spain as finalists, but France's resilience showed through and the game spun out of control with Deschamps' changes.
Cherki made an immediate impact after coming off the bench and scored an incredible goal to beat Unai Simón for France's second. Five minutes later, Malo Gusto crossed the ball into the box and Dani Vivian scored an own goal, leaving the score at 5-3. Under intense pressure, Kolo Muani added a fourth goal after breaking clear in the penalty area in stoppage time.
France tried in every possible way to get a fifth goal in this epic game and try to take it to extra time, but Spain managed to hold on to their lead and qualify for what promises to be a historic final against Portugal.