Spain Stun France in Thrilling UEFA Nations League Semi-Final
In a match that will be remembered for a long time, Spain emerged victorious in a 5-4 win against France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final, held at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The match, which was an absolute thriller, saw Mikel Merino score a crucial goal for Spain, as reported by Arsenal’s official website.
The game got off to a flying start, with Nico Williams opening the scoring for Spain before Merino doubled the lead just three minutes later. According to Arsenal’s website, Merino’s goal came after a fine one-two with Mikel Oyarzabal, before he fired past Mike Maignan in the France net. The midfielder’s goal was a significant moment in the match, and it gave Spain a 2-0 lead.
However, France refused to give up, and the match turned into a thrilling encounter. Lamine Yamal and Pedri scored twice in the space of two minutes in the second half to make it 4-0 for Spain. But Kylian Mbappe reduced the deficit for France, and goals from Rayan Cherki, a Dani Vivian own goal, and a header by Randal Kolo Muani set up a dramatic finish. Despite the late surge from France, Spain held on to win the match 5-4, as confirmed by Arsenal’s official website.
The win for Spain sets up a final with Portugal at the Allianz Arena this Sunday. Arsenal’s website reports that David Raya was an unused substitute in the Spain squad, while elsewhere, Gabriel Martinelli was a second-half substitute in Brazil’s 0-0 draw against Ecuador in Carlo Ancelotti’s first match in charge of the nation.
The draw for Brazil means they remain in fourth place in the World Cup qualifying standings on 22 points with three games remaining. The top six teams automatically qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year. As reported by Arsenal’s website, Martinelli came on in the 64th minute, replacing Estevao at the Estadio Monumental, but could not break the deadlock in the World Cup qualifier.
In other international fixtures, Norway take on Italy in a World Cup qualifier, while Scotland face Iceland. North Macedonia host Belgium, and Poland play Moldova in a friendly match. England face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier, while Canada take on Ukraine in a friendly. The full list of international fixtures can be found below.
Full List of International Fixtures
- Thursday, June 5: Spain 5-4 France | Nations League (Merino started and scored, Raya an unused sub)
- Friday, June 6: Ecuador 0-0 Brazil | World Cup qualifier (Martinelli came on in 64th minute)
- Norway (Odegaard) v Italy – World Cup qualifier | Oslo | 7.45pm
- Scotland (Tierney) v Iceland – World Cup qualifier | Glasgow | 7.45pm
- North Macedonia v Belgium (Trossard) – World Cup qualifier | Skopje | 7.45pm
- Poland (Kiwior) v Moldova – Friendly | Chorzow | 7.45pm
- Saturday, June 7: Andorra v England (Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka) – World Cup qualifier | Barcelona | 5pm
- Canada v Ukraine (Zinchenko) – Friendly | Toronto | 8.30pm
- Monday, June 9: Liechtenstein v Scotland (Tierney) – World Cup qualifier | Vaduz | 5pm
- Estonia v Norway (Odegaard) – World Cup qualifier | Tallinn | 7.45pm
- Tuesday, June 10: England (Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka) v Senegal – Friendly | Nottingham | 7.45pm
- Finland v Poland (Kiwior) – World Cup qualifier | Helsinki | 7.45pm
- Belgium (Trossard) v Wales – World Cup qualifier | Brussels | 7.45pm
- New Zealand v Ukraine (Zinchenko) – Friendly | Toronto | 10pm
- Wednesday, June 11: Brazil (Martinelli) v Paraguay – World Cup qualifier | Sao Paulo | 1.45am
This article is based on a report from Arsenal’s official website. The website reported that Merino scored a crucial goal for Spain in their 5-4 win against France in the UEFA Nations League semi-final. All rights to the original content belong to Arsenal’s official website.
