Didier Deschamps described Lamine Yamal's long-range strike as 'very lucky' (Image: GETTY)
France boss Didier Deschamps described Lamine Yamal's incredible goal as 'very lucky' in a bitter review after Spain reached the final of Euro 2024. Randal Kolo Muani gave France an early lead before Yamal equalised from long range, with Dani Olmo striking the decisive blow to send Spain through.
Yamal's goal was the pick of the bunch, with the teenage midfielder finding the top corner with a near-perfect strike from well outside the box. France goalkeeper Mike Maignan was powerless to prevent the ball from hitting the inside of the post and ricocheting into the back of the net.
It was a brilliant piece of skill but Deschamps thought it was 'very lucky' despite giving credit to Yamal after the final whistle.
Yamal is the youngest player to ever score for his country at the Euros (Image: GETTY)
"His shot was magnificent," said the France boss. "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."
Yamal, who will celebrate his 17th birthday this weekend, is now the youngest player to ever score for his country at the Euros. He is also the youngest player to receive a Man of the Match award in a UEFA game after his influential display against France.
Spain boss Luis de la Fuente could not have been happier with Yamal's contribution, saying in his post-match press conference that it was like watching a genius at work.
He said: "We have seen a genius, the product of a genius. He's a player we have to take care of. I have to give him the advice to keep working with the same humility and keep his feet on the floor.
"He would keep growing but this maturity and attitude at such a young age is like that of a more experienced player. We are lucky he is Spanish and we can enjoy him for many more years."
Yamal will be hoping to shine in the final on Sunday as Spain go in search of European glory for the first time in 12 years. They will face either England or the Netherlands in Berlin, with Gareth Southgate's men looking to make history by reaching back-to-back Euro finals for the first time.
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