MUNICH — Spain coach Luis de la Fuente praised the “genius” of Lamine Yamal after he became the youngest player to score at a men's European Championship on Tuesday when he netted in Spain's 2-1 semifinal win over 2018 World Cup champions France.
Sixteen-year-old Yamal cancelled out Randal Kolo Muani's opener with a stunning 21st-minute shot from 25 metres that reached a speed of 102 km/h (60 mph) and beat French goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Dani Olmo added Spain's second goal four minutes later to complete the comeback and set up the match for Sunday's final in Berlin against England or the Netherlands.
“We have seen a genius, the product of a genius,” De la Fuente said at a news conference. “He is a player we have to take care of. I have to give him the advice to continue working with the same humility and with his feet on the ground.”
“He will continue to grow, but his maturity and attitude at such a young age is already that of a more experienced player. We are lucky that he is Spanish and we can enjoy him for many more years.”
Yamal's first goal of the tournament (he also has three assists) made him the youngest player to score at the men's EURO, aged 16 years and 362 days. The previous youngest scorer was Switzerland's Johan Vonlanthen (18 years, 141 days), also against France, at Euro 2004.
It was the second major record set in the final by the Barcelona teenager, who had already become the youngest ever to feature at a European Championship at 16 years and 338 days when he came on for Spain's Group B win over Croatia.
“I'm delighted that we're in the final, but we haven't done the most important thing yet, which is to win it,” said Yamal, who turns 17 on Saturday, the eve of the final.
“We were in a difficult moment [when I scored]We didn't expect to concede a goal so early. I aimed exactly for the top corner, where my shot went in, and it was a feeling of pure euphoria.
“I try not to think too much about what's going on. I just want to enjoy myself and help the team. I came here to win every game and to be able to celebrate my birthday here in Germany with all my teammates.”
Yamal also appeared to respond to French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who had said before the match that the youngster would have to do more than he had done so far at Euro 2024 if he was to reach the final.
The Spanish winger posted a cryptic post on social media shortly after those comments on Monday, saying “speak only when it's time to say checkmate.”
As the final whistle blew in Spain's victory over France at the Allianz Arena, Yamal said clearly to the camera: “Speak now, speak now.”
Asked who the message was addressed to, he added: “It was for the person it was addressed to, that person will know it was for them.”
Spain have so far won all six of their matches at the Euros, with their style of football also drawing praise compared to what has been perceived as a more defensive set-up by pre-tournament favourites France and England.
“We try to give the players an idea, a role model and that makes us strong,” said De la Fuente. “We want to get the best out of these players. Each one has to do what he believes his team can do.”
“Our team has these characteristics, versatility, but fundamentally the players we have allow us to do it. We know the players and that allows us to play in different ways.”
“The idea of football comes from the conviction of your own ideas. It's not a coincidence. We want to play what the players know how to do well.”
De la Fuente also played down a possible injury to captain Alvaro Morata, who was brought down by an assistant during the celebrations, and said the striker should be fine for the final as Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand will also return from suspension.
