Spain 5–4 France Player Ratings: Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams Power Spain into Nations League Finals After a Fascinating Contest

Spain destroyed France 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League Semifinals at MHP Arena to advance to the finals. The European Champions were in red-hot form as they flexed their muscles with each goal. The number 2-ranked side in the world showed how good their front line is as France barely managed to hold their defence together. This avenges their 2021 Nations League final loss against France.

The European Champions started the game on the back foot as France dominated the opening exchanges. Despite Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele threatening early on, it was La Roja who took the lead.

They struck a one-two punch in three minutes as Mikel Oyarzabal played support for both goals. Firstly, Nico Williams buried his lay-off in the 23rd minute from close range inside the box. Then, Mikel Merino was free in the box receiving a chipped pass before side footing a finish past Mike Maignan to double his side's lead. Despite Les Bleus' best attempts, they were unable to lay a finger on Spain, needing a massive performance in the second half.

However, it wasn't the case as La Roja never refused to cool down. They instead doubled down on their attack and unsettled France even more. Lamine Yamal won and converted a penalty early in the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri made it 4-0. There was a glimmer of hope for France as Mbappe scored his penalty. But Lamine Yamal was on target shortly too as he poked a finish home to make it 5-1 again. Rayan Cherki scored on his France debut with a sensational touch and volley from outside the box to decrease the margin of defeat late in the game. Daniele Vivian's own goal made it an even respectable scoreline. However, a late goal from Randal Kolo-Muani tested the Spanish nerves with seconds to go at 5-4.

Spain will face Portugal in the final, setting up a mouth-watering Iberian rivalry on Sunday at the Allianz Arena. France will now take on its neighbour, Germany, for third place on the same day. Here are the Spain National Football Team Player Ratings vs France National Football Team Player Ratings.

Spain National Football Team Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Unai Simon-6/10

Made a crucial intervention to prevent a Mbappe's square pass, which would've surely resulted in a goal. Made a lot of reaction saves as well. Couldn't guess right when Mbappe took the spot kick.

Defenders

Pedro Porro-6.5/10

The right-back found his range of expansive passing as he fired some delicious balls across and picked up an assist. He had a couple of iffy moments defensively and conceded a penalty on Mbappe with a silly foul.

Robin Le Normand-6.5/10

Kylian Mbappe tried to play off his shoulder, but the centreback stood his ground. Didn't take the bait offered by the striker as he stood his ground and won many duels.

Dean Huijsen-7/10

Scored a peach of a volley from a setpiece, but it was rightfully chalked off for offside. Defended the wide areas well and swept away many opportunities.

Marc Cucurella-6.5/10

Started the game with a couple of crunchy tackles. It set the rhythm defensively as he refused to be beaten by Dembele.

Midfielders

Pedri-7.5/10

The midfield maestro had an easy game by his standards as he got his passes away quite easily and dictated the tempo well. Took his goal expertly as he crashed the box and lobbed Maignan to make it 4-0.

Martin Zubimendi-6.5/10

Sat at the base of the midfield and tidied many situations up as France led counterattacks at times.

Mikel Merino-7.5/10

Joined the attack, and it paid dividends as he doubled his team's advantage with a lovely cushioned finish.

Forwards

Lamine Yamal-9/10

Not an expert at tackling, as he was booked after a poor tackle. Won a penalty off Adrien Rabiot thanks to previous adversity with him and clinically converted it. Got his second goal with a fine toe poke past Maignan.

Mikel Oyarzabal-8.5/10

Showed excellent hold-up play and intelligence as he laid one off for Nico to open the scoring. The assist for the second goal was even better as he played Merino behind expertly.

Nico Williams-8.5/10

Started the game brightly as he blasted a layoff from Oyarzabal into the back of the net. He was threatening France's right flank throughout the game.

Substitutes

Dani Olmo-6/10

Fabian Ruiz-6/10

Daniel Vivian-4/10

Slid a cross into his net to set up a tense finale.

Samuel Aghehowa -6/10

Gavi-5/10

Manager

Luis De La Fuente-8/10

His side played like champions, taking the lead despite a slow start to the game. They showed true character in the second period as they didn't take their foot off the gas and went for the kill.

France National Football Team Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Mike Maignan-4/10

Stood firm to a couple of efforts from Nico, but he couldn't do a thing when he blasted it past him for the first goal. Went the wrong way as Yamal rolled it past him from the spot. Failed to keep an easy shot from Yamal out as he saw the ball fly past him again.

Defenders

Pierre Kalulu-5/10

Was caught out of position multiple times and left Nico all alone in the buildup to the opener as he chased shadows. Failed to provide something in the attack for them.

Ibrahima Konate-5.5/10

Brought the ball out of defence, but he lost the battle with Oyarzabal, who was playing with his back to goal, pulling strings. Was dragged out multiple times.

Clement Lenglet-4/10

At fault for the second goal as he was baited forward by Oyarzabal, allowing Merino to run past him. Never imposed himself on the game. Couldn't hang with Yamal for the 5th goal.

Theo Hernandez-6/10

The prolific fullback had a tough time defensively as he struggled with his positioning. He had joy in attack as he struck the bar and played some dangerous crosses.

Midfielders

Kouadio Kone-4.5/10

Failed to take control of the midfield as Spain cut through them with ease. His usual way of gliding with the ball forward was absent as well.

Adrien Rabiot-4.5/10

Sat deep and asked for the ball to progress it. Neither offered safety nor enough progression to help his side. Conceded a poor penalty after taking out Yamal for no reason in the box.

Forwards

Ousmane Dembele-6/10

Led the counters and should've picked Olise when he had the chance on a promising break. Much improved in the second half, but missed the end product.

Michael Olise-5/10

Probed the entire backline for spaces as he looked to play Mbappe in behind. Offered a decent threat from set pieces. Was anonymous in the second half.

Desire Doue-6.5/10

The man of the moment continued his form from the Champions League final. He was electric all game long as he peeled wide and cut inside, trying to find a goal for his side.

Kylian Mbappe-7.5/10

The best attacking outlet for his side, as he constantly received the ball and created chances. Had a great chance to score, but he mistimed his connection. Won and scored a penalty that was only a consolation.

Substitutes

Malo Gusto-6/10

Rayan Cherki-7/10

Took a fantastic touch and followed it up with an even better volley to open his account on his debut. Floated in a lovely cross to get an assist as well.

Bradley Barcola-6/10

Lucas Hernandez-6/10

Randal Kolo-Muani-6/10

Scored with a delicate header late in the game.

Manager

Didier Deschamps-3/10

His defence and midfield, riddled with injuries, crumbled as expected. Despite the star names in attack, there was no synchrony between them. Looks like the time is running out for the coach with the national team.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Lamine Yamal