Spain beat France in 9-goal Nations League match

Stuttgart

Spain won a thrilling 5-4 match against France to reach the Nations League final in Stuttgart. This match had the most goals ever in the tournament’s history. Spain has now reached the final three times in a row and is unbeaten in 12 Nations League games.

The match started fast with many chances. France’s Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s Nico Williams tested both goalkeepers. Williams scored for Spain in the 22nd minute after a pass from Mikel Oyarzabal. Soon after, Mikel Merino scored Spain’s second goal with help from Oyarzabal.

France fought back with shots from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele. But Spain’s 17-year-old star Lamine Yamal shined. He won a penalty and scored twice, including one after the break. Pedri scored Spain’s fourth goal soon after.

Mbappe ended his goal drought by scoring a penalty for France. France’s defense, hurt by injuries, gave up another goal to Yamal. France did not give up and scored three late goals. Rayan Cherki and Randal Kolo Muani scored, and an own goal by Daniel Vivian helped France close the gap.

Despite the pressure, Spain held on to win and reach their third Nations League final, a record. Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente said he enjoyed the hard fight. Yamal, the player of the match, said the team wanted to make history and keep winning.