07/06/2025

Read

iPaper at Malaysian Paper

www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download

app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Malaysian Paper or download

SCAN ME

Malaysian Paper SCAN ME Razzle and dazzle Yamal, Williams sparkle as Spain beat France in nine-goal thriller S PAIN starlets Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams dazzled as La Roja beat France 5-4 in a thriller in Stuttgart yesterday, to set up a Nations League final with Portugal. limitless admiration for him. “It’s really great to see a player at his age to keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much.” Returning to Germany where they won the European Championship in dominant fashion a year ago, Spain seem an even more complete team, despite their late fadeout. Spain’s Lamine Yamal (left) gets past France’s Clement Lenglet during their Uefa Nations League semifinal match. – AFPPIC SATURDAY | JUNE 7, 2025

Yamal bagged a brace while Williams scored and provided an assist as the two wingers cut France’s makeshift defence to ribbons. “It’s a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation,” Yamal told reporters. “This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am.” Mikel Merino and Pedri were also on the scoresheet for the Euro 2024 champions. Kylian Mbappe netted a second half penalty, but Spain were 5-1 up and cruising, before Les Bleus suddenly woke up as their opponents took their foot off the pedal. France’s three late goals – a Rayan Cherki screamer, a Spain own goal and a stoppage time strike from Randal Kolo Muani – were not enough. Still just 17, Yamal will face off against Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 23 years his senior. “He’s a football legend,” Yamal said. “I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano. “I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that’s it,” he added. A smiling goalscorer Merino told DAZN : “It was a crazy game. Not the best game for the coaches – nobody wants to concede so many

France were more dangerous in the opening stages, with Didier Deschamps electing to channel his attack through Ousmane Dembele rather than Mbappe. Dembele, fresh from Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League triumph, created an early chance for Mbappe, but the Real Madrid superstar wasted it, electing to pass rather than shoot when one-on-one with the keeper. Minutes later, Spain escaped again as Theo Hernandez’s long-range effort shaved the top of the crossbar. Spain made France pay soon after, when Williams and Oyarzabal, La Roja’s two goalscorers in the Euro 2024 final, linked up with 22 minutes played. After a tear down the right, Yamal threaded it to Oyarzabal, who held off three defenders with his back to goal before finding Williams, who rifled his shot into the top of the net. Spain grabbed full hold of the match just three minutes later when Oyarzabal dinked the French defence, allowing Merino to collect and hammer past an off-balance Maignan. Just before halftime, the narrowest of offsides robbed Spain of what would have been an incredible third.

goals – but an amazing game for the fans. “We’re going to remember this one for a long time.” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said fans would see “two super powerful teams” on Monday, adding “this could be a World Cup final. “We’re playing against

In a clearly rehearsed freekick play, Yamal found Martin Zubimendi behind the lines, who cut it back for Huijsen. The second half played outline the first, with France missing two big chances before Spain again scored a quick-fire double.

one of the greats: (Cristiano) Ronaldo. Just his name stands out – I have

Spain made four changes a their thoughts turned to Monday, allowing France to score two late consolation goals. – AFP

theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2625 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com