Euro 2024

LAMINE YAMAL delivered a dose of footballing justice as his record-breaking stunner sent Spain to their first final in 12 years and France home.The entertainers defied the pragmatists in Munich as Yamal became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history with an instant classic.Lamine Yamal celebrated becoming the Euros youngest ever goalscorerCredit: PAThe 16-year-old netted a stunning curler from rangeCredit: GettyQuarter-final hero Dani Olmo then came up with the goods again by netting their secondCredit: ReutersThe two goals secured Spain’s spot in the finalCredit: APAnd sent Kylian Mbappe and co homeCredit: GettyBarcelona’s next big thing cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani’s opener, before Dani Olmo grabbed the winner four minutes later.France did show they could attack here, with Kylian Mbappe dangerous again having decided to cast away his mask and expose his broken nose – but it could not get them over the line, too little too late.The French star had knocked out his hero Cristiano Ronaldo to reach the last four, but was upstaged here by a winger who is probably young enough to have grown up idolising Mbappe.At a tournament largely known for big teams failing to deliver to this point – this was an almighty clash.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeschamps had fiddled with his forward line once more in a bid to finally get them firing at this tournament.Antoine Griezmann was dropped to the bench – the first time he had not started a knockout game at a major tournament in ten years.Having unmasked himself, Mbappe started looking his old self once more.The Parisian was darting in behind after seven minutes, only stopped by a sliding Jesus Navas.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSRandal Kolo Muani nodded France into an early leadCredit: ReutersIt was France’s first open play goal of the tournament that wasn’t an own goalCredit: AFPTwo minutes later he set up the opener. Found in space by Dembele on the left, Mbappe lifted a lovely cross to the far post where Kolo Muani drifted off the back of Aymeric Laporte to head in.It was a carbon copy of a chance Spain had crafted not long before, only Fabian Ruiz headed over from Yamal’s cross when he should have hit the target.Watch highlights as ITV edge BBC in crunch football match with Roy Keane bossing it and presenter scoring stunnerMbappe’s resurrection caught Spain off-guard. They looked unsure on the ball and short of confidence.The France captain drifted inside Navas from the left but saw his drive blocked by Nacho.It looked like Les Bleus had turned up at just the wrong time for Spain.But it only takes a moment to turn games of this magnitude, a flash of inspiration can change everything.The thing is, those moments – in the pressure cooker of a semi-final – do not usually come from the boot of a 16-year-old. But this teenager is a bit different.Spain managed to push forward but were stuck in front of France’s formidable defence, which had shipped just one goal before now – from the spot.Records like that are merely challenges to some players.Yamal twisted and turned, ignored the call of Nico Williams to clip the ball his way, cut inside Rabiot and bent an all-time great goal past Mike Maignan – clipping the far post on the way in for a final flourish.It was a moment to make everyone watching feel inadequate, wondering where they were at 16.Not here, not doing that.In fact, no one has. Yamal is the youngest ever player to appear in a Euros or World Cup semi-final and he did that.France were now the ones in a daze – and La Roja took advantage. After a blockbuster from Yamal, there was a show of class from Olmo.Yamal watched on from the side as his team-mates saw out their 2-1 resultCredit: GettyFrance had no answer’s for Spain’s new generationCredit: GettyWilliam Saliba headed a Navas cross powerfully towards the midriff of the RB Leipzig man, who flicked it up and left to gain control, then right to skip past Aurelien Tchouameni with his second touch and fired to the far corner with his third.Jules Kounde swung a leg towards the ball and watched it settle in the back of the net – a staggering turnaround in the space of four minutes.France managed to slow the red wave until the break from there, but could have been two down within minutes of the restart.Williams was set loose, racing down the left and was half a second from beating Maignan – who flew from his area – to the ball.France improved after the scare. Tchouameni headed a Dembele corner into the hands of Unai Simon before Mbappe tested the keeper from an angle.That opening was enough for De la Fuente to swap 38-year-old Navas for central defender Dani Vivian up against the France skipper.France defender Jules Kounde could not do enough to divert Olmo’s shot away from goalCredit: GettyThere was danger on the other flank, however, Simon’s reflexes just stopping a Dembele cross before it reached Mbappe for a tap-in before Dayot Upamecano headed wide at the far post from a corner.This was as dangerous as France had looked all tournament. It turns out they can do the fun stuff after all.Spain were in a fight, having to show the sort of solidity France had found so easy to this point.They were stretched incredibly thin at times, Dembele particularly dangerous, while Theo Hernandez sent a golden chance over and into the French mass behind the goal.Mbappe, on another brilliant break, did exactly the same with five minutes to go.Spain held on and looked to take the sting out of the game by keeping the ball when they could – Rodri conducting. Yamal even showed he can do the dirty stuff as he bodied Hernandez in added time. Again, 16.READ MORE SUN STORIESLa Roja, finalists for the first time since they won Euro 2012, have shown they can do the lot.Pray for whoever awaits them in Berlin.But the goal was later awarded to the SpaniardCredit: APAnd it resulted in Spain securing their spot in the finalCredit: AFP More

AN incredible video has emerged showing Lamine Yamal scoring a goal against France’s U17s last year that was almost identical to his wonderstrike in the Euros semi-final – and possibly better.The 16-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in Euros history with his brilliant goal against Kylian Mbappe’s France.Lamine Yamal scored an incredible curling strike against France from the edge of the areaCredit: GettyA video has emerged showing he scored the exact same goal against France’s u17s last yearCredit: XToday isn’t the first time Lamine Yamal has scored a wonder-goal against France in a Euro semi-final.Here’s his effort from last year’s Under-17 Euros. pic.twitter.com/GjOYgASvOl— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) July 9, 2024

His goal drew Spain level after Randal Kolo Muani fired his nation ahead after eight minutes.But Yamal, who had yet to net at the Euros despite shining throughout the tournament, responded in style.The Barcelona teen dummied the ball outside France’s box before cutting inside on his left foot and curling a gorgeous shot into the top corner of the net.It meant he is now the youngest ever scorer at a Euros final at the age of 16 years and 362 days.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd a video that surfaced on X shows the winger has shown form for scoring that exact goal before.It came last year at the under-17 Euros and remarkably, it was against France in the semi-final too.The winger was seen in the video dummying to go inside before unleashing a rasping effort into the top left corner of France’s net.Yamal spent the entirety of last season as Barcelona’s first choice right-winger.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBut his success at this tournament has still come as a surprise due to his young age.His goal in the semi-final against France means he has gone above previous holder Johan Vonlanthen, who was 18 years and 141 days old when he netted for Switzerland at Euro 2004.Watch brilliant moment Spain stars Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams play rock, paper, scissors ‘to decide who gets bottle’ His youthfulness is perhaps best captured by the fact that he found out he passed the equivalent of Spain’s GCSEs while at the Euros.Many have speculated that his greatness in football was pre-destined after images emerged of Lionel Messi giving Lamine Yamal a bath when the winger was a baby for a charity calendar.It led some to joke that Yamal had been “baptised” by Messi.Lamal’s goal helped Spain to a 2-1 victory, ensuring they will play either England or Holland in the final in Berlin. More

FANS weren’t impressed by Kylian Mbappe’s half-time antics during France’s Euro 2024 semi-final loss to Spain.The Frenchman could be seen swapping shirts with a Spain player as he left the pitch at half-time, despite France trailing 2-1.Kylian Mbappe has been criticised for his half-time antics during France vs SpainCredit: GettyThe star could be seen swapping shirts with a Spain player at half-timeCredit: bbcFans weren’t happy with the unusual act and one joked that Roy Keane would have been fuming about itCredit: GettyMbappe, 25, got things off to a good start for his French side when he set up Randal Kolo Muani in the eighth minute to put France 1-0 up.But Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo quickly struck back for Spain to wipe the smiles of French supporters watching on and make the score 2-1 before the half-time whistle.So fans were even more confused when they saw that Mbappe was swapping shirts at the break while his side were trailing.Many took to social media to voice their opinions with one supporter even suggesting that famous straight-talker and Manchester United hero Roy Keane would be fuming at the idea of a half-time shirt swap.READ MORE ON EURO 2024One wrote: “Mbappe swapping shirts at half time, somewhere there is a Roy Keane screaming at a TV.”While another added: “Mbappe swapping shirts at HT, a bit weird given your team is down.”Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry.EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSA third commented: “Kylian Mbappe swapping shirts at half time. What’s that all about?”And a fourth joked: “Mbappe swapping shirts at half time – give him and the Spanish player life time bans now.”Most read in Euro 2024Roy Keane told ‘you’re so nasty’ as he makes savage jibe about Gary and Phil Neville being in the ‘Ugly XI’It wasn’t clear who Mbappe had swapped shirts with from the Spain side, with footage just showing the star heading down the tunnel topless with a Spanish shirt in his hand.But the unusual act had certainly caused a stir online.Mbappe’s premature shirt swap was made worse come the full-time whistle after France were knocked out of the competiton.Spain played spectacularly to hold onto their 2-1 lead and book a spot in Sunday’s final. More

LUKE SHAW is set to be on the bench for England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against Holland.The Manchester United left-back was hoping for his first start of the tournament after an impressive quarter-final cameo against Switzerland.Luke Shaw is set to be on the bench for England’s Euro semi-final against HollandCredit: GettyGareth Southgate plans on making just one change for the crunch clashCredit: PABut Gareth Southgate will keep faith with Kieran Trippier as he prepares to make just one change.The Newcastle right-back has spent the tournament playing on the opposite flank.As a result, Trippier has struggled to get forward in support of Man City’s Phil Foden.And Shaw’s impact against the Swiss, as well as his declaration of fitness yesterday, suggested he was in line to regain his spot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, it’s believed Southgate has doubts over Shaw’s ability to last 90 minutes.He is also a fervent believer in Trippier’s defensive qualities and believes the Toon ace will be needed against the Netherland’s pacy right side.Southgate plans on making just one change to the team that overcame Switzerland on penalties.Ezri Konsa is set to drop out despite impressing in a back three.Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd he will be replaced by Marc Guehi, who is available following a one-match suspension.But it remains to be seen if Southgate keeps faith with his five-man defence after going like-for-like against the Swiss.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashMarc Guehi will return in the only change to the team that beat SwitzerlandCredit: GettyThe Dutch play with a back four and England could revert to the 4-2-3-1 shape they used for the first four games of the Euros.However, the back five brought the best out of stars like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.And it could yet be the best way for Harry Kane to regain his form after struggling in the quarters.Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ preparations were hit by major travel chaos on Tuesday.Ronald Koeman was forced to cancel his press conference after a rail-line blockage forced the Dutch to fly from Wolfsburg to Dortmund.It means they only arrived in the city less than 24 hours before kick-off against England, which could give the Three Lions an advantage.I know we needed penalties… but England showed vs Switzerland why they can WIN Euro 2024, says Jack WilshereIT TOOK penalties to put us through but, before the drama, England showed us why they have the ingredients to do something special, writes Jack Wilshere.It was a win by the narrowest of margins but this was overall our best performance of Euro 2024.If we can build on the progress we made, especially in the first half, we could WIN the tournament.It was not a complete display. There were nervy moments and waiting so long to make changes could have cost us.But we saw what a good team England can be if they do the right things and put players in the right positions.The first half was England’s best since the first 45 against Serbia. Maybe even better.One of the keys to that was our press and the effect it had on Granit Xhaka.For the first time in four games we were pressing high, winning the ball back in better areas and putting Switzerland on the back foot.In previous matches, our forwards were pressing but the gaps between our lines were too big.That was leaving huge gaps for Declan Rice and whoever was partnering him to cover.This time there was better structure and organisation.There seemed to be more of a plan for when to drop into a block and when to jump out to press.Now England have the opportunity to build momentum and show why they can win this tournament.Read all of SunSport columnist Jack’s Euro 2024 articles. More

FANS were as stunned by crock Pedri’s reaction as they were by Lamine Yamal’s sensational goal in Spain’s comeback triumph.Yamal’s long-range equaliser – making him the youngest ever Euros scorer at the age of 16 – sparked a 2-1 semi-final victory over France.Pedri and Co were disbelieving on the sidelines after Yamal’s goalFans reckon this response to the strike spoke for them allYamal’s goal showed astonishing audacity on the biggest stageCredit: GettyAnd viewers spotted the incredulous expression of injured Pedri on the sidelines as he joined Spanish celebrations of his Barcelona team-mate’s masterful moment.Spain soon struck again as they turned a 1-0 deficit into an interval lead, before deservedly holding on for a place in Sunday’s final against England or the Netherlands.Pedri puffed out his cheeks and and put his hands to his face with a wide-eyed look when Yamal ‘s thunderbolt went in.Midfielder Pedri is out for the rest of the tournament following a fierce tackle from Germany’s Toni Kroos in the quarter-final. READ MORE TOP STORIESBut he looked as delighted as anyone by Yamal’s screamer.And one viewer claimed: “Pedri’s reaction to Lamine Yamal’s goal is everyone’s reaction.”A second posted: “Not gonna lie, that was quite the mood.”And a third wrote: “Yamal is world class and should be in contention for Ballon D’or.”Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSEURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYThe Barcelona wing starlet has made history in his 13th international.No younger player has scored at the Euros EVER – and it must be a contender for the goal of the tournament.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashRandal Kolo Muani had nipped in to drill France in front on eight minutes.But midway through the opening period, Yamal cut in from the right, beat his man, and curved a fierce left-footer into the far top corner.Dani Olmo’s deflected cross-shot soon provided Spain’s clincher.However, Yamal’s incredible intervention lingered longest in the mind.And Uefa’s official X account posted: “A moment that will last forever.” More