14 July,2026 08:48 AM IST | Mumbai | AFP
Lamine Yamal. Pic/AFP
The first competitive meeting of the European neighbours came in Paris, as a France team inspired by Michel Platini claimed their first major international title. The game hinged on a Platini free-kick which Spain goalkeeper Luis Arconada let squirm through his grasp and in to give France the lead. France had Yvon Le Roux sent off late on but Bruno Bellone then sealed their triumph.
The only meeting of the teams at a World Cup before this year came here in Hanover. Spain went ahead through a David Villa penalty, but Franck Ribery equalised before half-time. Patrick Vieira then put France in front as extra time loomed, and Zinedine Zidane clinched the victory.
In front of a restricted crowd due to the Covid pandemic, Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead just after the hour mark. Karim Benzema equalised from Kylian Mbappe's assist. Mbappe then grabbed the winner.
Randal Kolo Muani gave them the lead early in the semi-final against Spain in Munich. But Lamine Yamal equalised with a wonderful strike. Dani Olmo then got what proved to be the winner a few minutes later.
Spain were 4-0 up early in the second half thanks to goals by Nico Williams, Mikel Merino, a Lamine Yamal penalty, and Pedri. Mbappe pulled one back from the spot but Yamal got Spain's fifth, before France rallied to make the scoreline more respectable.
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