Spain defeated France in the semi-final in Stuttgart and will play Portugal in the final to defend their Nations League championship.
Spain edged out France 5-4 in a high-scoring match to reach the UEFA Nations League final, where they will defend their title against Portugal.
The top two national teams in the world went head-to-head for the first 20 minutes, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Spain’s breakthrough came when Yamal’s pass to Oyarzabal, who skillfully held up the ball, allowed Williams to score. The winger opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a powerful shot that hit the top of the net.
Spain scored again three minutes later, this time through Mikel Merino. With plenty of room in the penalty box, the Arsenal midfielder coolly finished to make it 2-0 for Spain.
Despite some French pressure, Spain maintained a two-goal advantage at halftime thanks to Unai Simón’s five first-half saves.
France’s quick start after halftime was countered by Spain, who capitalized on Adrien Rabiot’s penalty-area foul on Yamal to extend their advantage.
With less than 10 minutes gone in the second half, the 17-year-old emphatically scored a penalty, increasing the lead to 3–0.
Sixty seconds later, Williams assisted Pedri, whose chipped shot over Mike Maignan increased the score to four.
France narrowed the gap when Kylian Mbappé successfully converted a penalty, deceiving Simón just before the hour mark.
Yet, with his brace in the 67th minute, Yamal extinguished any chance of a French comeback.
The teenager’s second goal versus France brings his goal contributions for club and country this season to 48 in 57 matches, making him the likely 2024 Golden Boy winner.
A brilliant volley from Rayan Cherki, his first for Les Bleus’ senior side, doubled France’s lead.
The match became more dramatic when Dani Vivian scored an own goal with five minutes left. During stoppage time, Cherki assisted Kolo Muani, who then headed to France’s fourth goal.
Although France mounted a late charge, Spain secured a 5-4 victory, their first time conceding five goals since the 1960s, in an exciting game.
The 17-year-old Barcelona forward, a Ballon d’Or contender, earned MVP honors with a match-winning brace.
Spain advances to the final, seeking to retain their title and assert their claim as the world’s top national team, where they’ll play Portugal.