Nine goals and a shining Yamal: Spain beat France in a Nations League semifinal thriller
The Spaniards turned Stuttgart into a football symphony, and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal officially entered superstar status. In the final — a clash of eras: the young genius vs Cristiano Ronaldo.
First half: dominance and destruction
By the 25th minute, it was already 2-0. Nico Williams opened the scoring after a brilliant combination, finishing with his left foot. Three minutes later, Mikel Merino doubled the lead — assisted again by Oyarzabal. The French were stunned. Theo Hernandez hit the crossbar, Dembele and Doué created chances — but couldn’t convert.
Toward the end of the half, Spain nearly made it 3-0, but Heuysen’s goal was ruled out for offside.
Yamal explodes
The second half was Lamine Yamal’s stage. In the 54th minute, he won a penalty and calmly converted it himself — 3-0. One minute later, Pedri made it 4-0. Spain’s bench erupted with emotion.
France on the brink of humiliation. Though Mbappe pulled one back from the spot (4-1), ten minutes later Yamal struck again with a solo run and perfect finish — 5-1.
France’s late surge
In the 79th minute, France finally woke up. Substitute Rayan Cherki scored a stunning volley — 5-2. Then came an own goal by Vivian — 5-3. In stoppage time, Kolo Muani finished Cherki’s cross — 5-4.
But Simon secured the final ball. Spain are in the final.
A new Spanish style
Luis de la Fuente’s team is no longer tiki-taka. It’s vertical, daring, and dynamic football. More risk, more speed, and more individual brilliance. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Nico Williams — the attack of the future.
Final: Spain vs Portugal
Now awaits a final dubbed “a clash of eras.” Cristiano Ronaldo — a European football legend — will face Lamine Yamal, a teenage star already making history. Their duel is both symbolic and very real.
France to play for bronze
France will face Germany for third place. But after a start like this, it’s small consolation. Didier Deschamps’ team didn’t wake up in time — and paid the price.
Stuttgart gave us more than football — it gave us the rise of a new star. Lamine Yamal is no longer the future, but the present leader of Spain. And the final vs Portugal could be his ultimate triumph.
