Kylian Mbappé reminded the world why he’s one of football’s brightest stars as France secured a thrilling 2–1 victory over Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal this week. Played at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, the match drew over 75,000 spectators and millions of global viewers. It was a tense, tactical battle that swung France’s way in the final moments thanks to a sublime assist by Mbappé and a last-minute penalty save by goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring a penalty kick during a Group D match between the France and Poland at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (Friso Gentsch/dpa via AP)
The opening goal came in the 22nd minute when Spain’s Dani Olmo struck from the edge of the box. But France equalized just before halftime through Antoine Griezmann, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. The rest of the match unfolded like a chess game, with both sides cautious and calculating in midfield exchanges.
Mbappé’s decisive moment came in the 87th minute. Beating two defenders on the left flank, he floated a cross into the box that found Randal Kolo Muani for a clinical header. Just two minutes later, Spain was awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review — but Maignan’s diving save preserved France’s lead and sparked wild celebrations.
Though short, the penalty save instantly became one of the tournament’s defining moments. Fans online flooded social media with praise for Maignan’s composure and reflexes. The French bench erupted, with even manager Didier Deschamps sprinting down the touchline in joy.
France now prepares to face England in the final, following the Three Lions’ narrow win over the Netherlands. With Mbappé in top form and the squad displaying remarkable tactical discipline, France heads into Sunday’s final as slight favorites. Sports pundits are already calling it a matchup for the ages.
Off the field, the semifinal victory has reignited patriotic fervor across France. Celebrations erupted in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, with the Eiffel Tower lit in blue, white, and red. Security has been ramped up across host cities in anticipation of the final, expected to be one of the most-watched sporting events globally this year.
As the footballing world looks toward Sunday’s showdown, Mbappé’s leadership and Maignan’s heroics remind us why sport continues to inspire — not just as entertainment, but as a unifying force that transcends borders and generations.
