Olmo Scores Game-Winning Goal
Spain booked its place in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 win over France in Munich on Tuesday. The match was more attacking than expected in the early going, with all three goals scored inside the first 25 minutes.
France took the lead thanks to a Kolo Muani header off a beautiful cross from Kylian Mbappe, before 16-year-old sensation Yamine Lamal scored what was perhaps the goal of the tournament. Starting from a wide position, Lamal lulled his defender to sleep by feigning back outside, before cutting in once more, and launching an unstoppable rocket from 25 yards out. Lamal became the youngest scorer in the history of the tournament. Mere minutes later, Spain took its first lead thanks to Dani Olmo, who was starting in place of the injured Pedri.
After the frenetic start, Spain controlled proceedings. The second half was a masterclass in game management, soaking up some frustrated France pressure and limiting chances of a comeback. The French made attacking substitutions largely to no effect. Mbappe came closest to leveling the game but blasted a shot over after a typically direct run into the box.
Spain did not come into this tournament as favorites but has shown the most consistency and the highest ceiling as a team. Now, heading into Sunday’s final in Berlin, Spain will be deservedly favored to lift the trophy, no matter who wins the other semi-final. Netherlands and England kick off today at 3 p.m. ET.
