FANS were convinced they knew exactly what was going to happen in France’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Spain.
Supporters watching on from home were expecting big things from Kylian Mbappe after noticing that he was no longer wearing his protective mask.
Mbappe, 25, has been forced to wear a protective mask for most of the tournament after he broke his nose during France’s opening clash with Austria.
The incoming Real Madrid superstar smashed his face into the shoulder of Austrian defender Kevin Danso and was taken to hospital as a result.
And since returning to action with his new accessory, he has failed to live up to his usual high standards.
The Frenchman has managed just one penalty goal in the tournament and has failed to register any goal contributions in the last-16 and quarter-final ties.
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Fans think that his mask may have been the reason behind his uncharacteristically poor performances.
And many took to social media to hint that the former PSG man would return to his best after ditching the dodgy eyewear.
One wrote: “Mbappe got rid of the mask? He is defo scoring today. We know the script.”
While another added: “Mask off Mbappe. It’s long for Spain.”
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A third posted: “Mbappe without the mask. Goals incoming.”
And a fourth commented: “Mbappe no mask, left wing? Oh we’re in for a treat.”
The fans at home were right in their predictions too as Mbappe registered an assist just eight minutes into the game.
The rapid forward dinked a delightful ball to the back post which was greeted by the head of Randal Kolo Muani, who nodded home to put France 1-0 up.
But Didier Deschamps’ side didn’t have long to enjoy their lead as Lamine Yamal, 16, scored a stunning equaliser less than 15 minutes afterwards – making him the youngest goal scorer in European Championship history.
And Dani Olmo added a second for the Spaniards just four minutes later, putting Luis de la Fuente’s team 2-1 up.
Spain then managed to hold on to that lead and booked their spot in the final this weekend as a result.
The Spaniards will now face the winner of England’s clash with the Netherlands on Sunday,
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
