France manager Didier Deschamps has said that Spain starlet Lamine Yamal was a tad fortuitous with his super strike in his team's 2-1 loss to La Roja in the Euro 2024 semi-final in Munich on Tuesday (July 9).
In a blockbuster last-four clash, Les Bleus went ahead through Randal Kolo Muani's eight-minute strike assisted by captain Kylian Mbappe. However, La Roja's response was swift, with Yamal curling in a brlliant equaliser - in off the woodwork - in the 21st minute.
Four minutes later, Dani Olmo's deflected strike off Jules Kounde made it 2-1 for the three-time champions, a lead they never relinquished as Deschamps' men bowed out of the competition.
Admitting the brilliance of Yamal's strike, Deschamps also added it was a bit 'lucky' due to the freedom Les Bleus allowed him, elaborating (via GOAL):
"His shot was magnificent. He was very lucky, but we shouldn't take away his credit. We were obviously one too far behind him. The Spanish have many good strikers outside the box. We gave him a little too much freedom."
While Les Bleus wonder what might have been, La Roja await England or Netherlands in the Berlin final on Sunday (July 14).
What Lamine Yamal said about his wonder strike in Spain's Euro 2024 SF win over Didier Deschamps' France
Spain midfield sensation Lamine Yamal has shed light on where he wanted his wonder strike against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final to go as La Roja reached their first European Championship final in 12 years.
Creating history with his sumptuous strike - becoming the youngest scorer in Euros history - Yamal said that he's looking to enjoy the moment and help his team go all the way, telling UEFA.com:
"I was aiming for exactly the top corner where my shot went in, and that was a feeling of pure elation. I try not to think too much about what's going on. I just want to enjoy myself and help the team.
"I came here to win all the matches so that I could celebrate my (17th) birthday (on Saturday) here in Germany with all of my team-mates!"
Yamal will look to become the youngest player to win the European Championship this weekend as Luis de la Fuente's Spain strive to become the first four-time European champions.