By Chijioke Kingsley
Abuja (Sundiata Post) – Kylian Mbappe could not hide his admiration for Yamine Lamal’s wondergoal that brought Spain level in their Euro 2024 semi-final with France on Tuesday night.
France had taken the lead in the eighth minute when Randal Kolo Muani headed home Mbappe’s cross, but teenage sensation Yamal took it upon himself to bring his side back into the game.
The 16-year-old picked the ball up around 30 yards from goal before twisting away from Adrien Rabiot and firing an unstoppable curling effort into the corner of the net via the inside of the post.
France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was left with no chance, and Yamal ran off to celebrate with his team-mates after becoming the youngest ever goalscorer in Euros history.
The camera then panned to France captain Mbappe who was seen turning his head as if to say ‘too good’, and it was hard to disagree with his assessment.
Some may have expected Mbappe to offering encouraging words to his team, but such was the quality of Yamal’s strike, he was left speechless.
Yamal’s goal changed the momentum of the match, and Spain completed their turnaround four minutes later when Dani Olmo put them ahead after his shot was deflected into the net by Jules Kounde.
It was a scrappy goal compared to Yamal’s earlier effort that has to be a contender for goal of the tournament.
Yamal had already registered three assists in Spain’s first five matches, establishing himself as one of the best wingers at this summer’s Euros.
But his equaliser in the semi-final was undoubtedly his standout moment of the tournament as Spain bid to make their first Euros final since 2012.
