Yamal dazzles in Spain victory

The youngster helps his team beat France 5-4 in a thriller to set up Nations League final against Portugal

- Agence France-Presse

STUTTGART: Spain starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart on Thursday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal.

Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France's makeshift defence to ribbons.

Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions.

Kylian Mbappe netted a second-half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal.

France's three late goals—a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage-time strike from Randal Kolo Muani—were not enough.

Yamal, still just 17, said Spain "deserved to win."

"It was a great game—at the end it was a little too close, but we played very well," he added.