France have taken the lead against Spain in their Euro 2024 semifinal clash thanks to Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani. The striker opened the scoring with a header in the eighth minute to give Les Bleus a golden chance of making it to the final.
The goal was scored after brilliant work by his former PSG teammate Kylian Mbappe on the left, who found Kolo Muani with a fine cross. The goal was the first for France from open play at these European Championships and only their fourth goal at the tournament. They faced Portugal in their quarter-final and the fixture ended 0-0 after extra-time, but Les Bleus secured a 5-3 win in the penalty shootout.
They chose the right time to open their account in the competition against a tough Spanish side that has arguably been the best team at Euro 2024.
Historically, Spain and France have faced each other 37 times with Les Bleus winning 13 and La Roja winning 17 fixtures. Seven of their matches ended in draws, but this match must have a winner to decide who progresses to the final of the competition.
Kolo Muani will hope that his fourth goal from 21 appearances for Les Bleus will play a part in securing their place in the final. However, with so much time left in the game, it remains to be seen if the match ends in France's favor.
The French will be keen to secure a place in the final and eventually claim the Euro 2024 crown to end their 24-year wait to regain the European crown.
Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps is looking to become the first manager in the history of the sport to win the World Cup and European Championships as both a player and coach.