Lamine Yamal shines as Spain outlasts France in nine goal thriller

The European champions, Spain, are once again headed to a Nations League final, ready to defend their title in Munich. Their path was paved by a breathtaking 5-4 victory over France in Stuttgart, a match that delivered far more than just a result, cementing 17-year-old Lamine Yamal's burgeoning superstar status. Many had billed this as an audition for the Ballon d'Or against seasoned stars Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé; Yamal delivered a performance that made a strong case for the award being his.

Lamine Yamal was at the heart of Spain's dazzling display, netting two goals and proving a constant threat with every touch. However, he wasn't alone in Spain's offensive brilliance. Before his brace, Nico Williams and Mikel Merino had already found the back of the net, and the ethereal Pedri added a lovely fourth. France, for their part, contributed significantly to the spectacle, unleashing 24 of the game's 40 shots and ensuring a tense finish. Despite being down 5-1 after 67 minutes, goals from Rayan Cherki, an own goal from Dani Vivian, and a Randal Kolo Muani header in quick succession made for a wild and unexpected conclusion.

The game was open and played at a blistering pace from the outset. Unai Simón and Mike Maignan were both called into action, making saves, before Spain broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Lamine Yamal initiated the move, feeding Mikel Oyarzabal, who cleverly set up Nico Williams to smash the ball into the net. Just three minutes later, Spain doubled their lead through Merino, following another intelligent touch from Oyarzabal.

Spain's lead was momentarily extended just before halftime, only for a Dean Huijsen volley to be ruled out for offside. However, the second half saw Spain push their advantage. Williams dispossessed France, sliding a pass to Yamal. A clumsy challenge on Yamal resulted in a penalty, which the teenager coolly converted, seemingly sealing the victory. Spain's relentless attack continued, with Pedri adding a gorgeous fourth goal after a fluid exchange with Williams, underlining their striking superiority. Even a Kylian Mbappé penalty and a Dembélé post-hit couldn't quell Spain's momentum. Lamine Yamal then struck again, running onto a Pedro Porro layoff, easing past Clément Lenglet, and poking past Maignan, which truly felt like the final blow.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable lead, France mounted a late, spirited charge, ensuring the goal-scoring wasn't over. The wild ending added unexpected tension to an already thrilling encounter, but it was Lamine Yamal's beaming smile at the final whistle, braces sparkling, that encapsulated the joy and promise of Spain's performance.