Fans in Stuttgart last night thought they were turning up to a football match. Instead, as José Mourinho might put it, they got a hockey game.
Then again, considering the pseduo-competitive nature of this UEFA Nations League tournament, a 5-4 game between some of the most talented attacking players in Europe just might be the best way to spend 90 minutes.
It certainly wasn’t a day for defenders, and it most certainly was not a night to remember for (supposed) Chelsea target Mike Maignan in the France goal, but Les Bleus’ Champions League winners put on a show (except for their finishing), as did Rayan Cherki and of course Spain’s dazzling wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
France made it interesting late in the game, turning a 5-1 deficit into just a one-goal defeat — while also hitting the post twice and seeing Unai Simón deny them with several excellent saves.
Marc Cucurella played the full 90 as Spain made it 19 games unbeaten in all competitions. They will face Portugal in the final on Sunday.
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