Brilliant Yamal and a Timeless Team – Why Spain Are Favourites for the World Cup

Spain’s 5-4 Thriller Leaves Fans Breathless – And Rivals Nervous

Spain’s jaw-dropping 5-4 victory has left the football world wondering: can anyone stop this electrifying attack? Just don’t ask too much about the defending.

With Sunday’s final against Portugal on the horizon, Spain are on the brink of a historic treble—having already secured the last UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024 titles. Now, they’re firmly established as favourites for next summer’s World Cup, with only France trailing them in the odds.

If this pulsating semifinal was any indication, Spain are not just title contenders—they’re box-office gold. In what many are calling one of the greatest international games in recent memory, the numbers told the story: 40 total shots, 17 on target, and nine goals. At one point, Spain led 4-0, then 5-1, threatening to completely dismantle France. But Les Bleus launched a stunning late rally to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

“It was a crazy game,” admitted Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino. “Not the best for the coaches—nobody wants to concede so many—but an amazing game for the fans.”

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, though, took a different view—embracing the chaos.

“I’m happy. I enjoy suffering! I don’t understand sport without suffering,” he said with a smile. “When two great teams meet, each one makes the most of their moments.”

At the heart of Spain’s attacking masterclass was the sensational Lamine Yamal, who continues to dazzle at just 17 years old. The Barcelona forward netted twice, further building his case as a Ballon d’Or contender. He now has six goals for Spain and 25 for Barça this season, cementing his status as one of world football’s most exciting young talents.

Yamal comfortably outshone France’s much-hyped PSG duo Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, both of whom had come into the match with soaring reputations following stellar domestic campaigns. It was French debutant Rayan Cherki who made the most noise for Les Bleus, injecting energy and creativity off the bench. His performance has only intensified interest from Premier League giants like Liverpool and Manchester City.

But for now, the spotlight remains squarely on Spain. They’ve shown they can blow teams away—and survive a comeback. With their sights set on Portugal next, and the World Cup beyond, one question lingers in the air

What Actually Happened? A Nine-Goal Classic That Had Everything

Trying to unpack everything that happened in this wild 5-4 clash between Spain and France almost feels impossible—but here’s the best attempt.

Spain’s attacking masterclass started early. Mikel Oyarzabal picked out Nico Williams for the opener, before assisting Mikel Merino just four minutes later to make it 2-0.

It could’ve been three when Dean Huijsen finished off a brilliant free-kick routine, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. “That belongs in a museum,” said Prime Video summariser Karen Bardsley.

After the break, the fireworks continued. Lamine Yamal won and converted a penalty, then Nico Williams teed up Pedri for Spain’s fourth. Kylian Mbappé tried to swing momentum back with a penalty of his own—but Yamal responded immediately with a sublime first touch and calm finish for his second of the night.

“It’s hard to argue with the genius that you see before you,” said Bardsley as Yamal coolly slotted in Spain’s fifth.

At 5-1, it looked like a rout. But France weren’t done.

Ousmane Dembélé rattled the post, debutant Rayan Cherki fired in a crisp volley from the edge of the box, Dani Vivian turned a low cross into his own net, and Randal Kolo Muani headed in a pinpoint ball from Cherki to make it 5-4.

Suddenly, the game that looked over had life. But France couldn’t find one more opening in the final two minutes of added time, narrowly missing out on extra time that every neutral surely craved.

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Spain’s Signature Style – Youth, Flair, and Just Enough Nerve

With just 15 minutes left on the clock, the story seemed simple: Spain had obliterated France and rubber-stamped their status as favourites for everything ahead—Sunday’s final against Portugal and the looming World Cup next summer.

They were already the best team at Euro 2024 and, judging by this performance, aren’t slowing down.

Yamal and Nico Williams were electric on the wings. Merino and Pedri got on the scoresheet. Oyarzabal notched up two assists. The average age of the squad? Just 24. The oldest player on the field? Only 28.

This is a young Spain team—but already a mature one.

Yet for all their attacking brilliance, questions will be asked about the defence. Letting a 5-1 lead slip to 5-4 is a concern. Unai Simón had to make six key saves—this wasn’t a case of France scoring every time they got close.

Yamal, wise beyond his years, admitted:
“When two great teams like this play, you sometimes see a lot of goals. They’ll make you suffer until the end. But we reached the final despite our mistakes.”

Spanish journalist Guillem Balagué called it a “typical Spain performance”—and meant it as high praise.

“These players come out with the belief they can beat anyone. They’re winning, they’re creating magic, and they’re doing it within a structured system,” he said.

“They represent the modern game: intelligent, creative, and fiercely committed. Even when they relaxed at the end, it’s because they believed in their path.

Spain’s style is beautiful, relentless—and now, it’s winning football.”

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Not All Doom and Gloom for France

For France, there’s plenty to reflect on—both good and bad.

Falling behind 4-0 and 5-1 raised serious questions about their defence and midfield structure. But the way they fought back showed character and depth.

Rayan Cherki, on debut, was electric. His goal and assist will fuel speculation about a move to Liverpool or Manchester City. Dembélé and Kolo Muani were relentless in the closing stages. Mbappé, even below his best, managed to get on the scoresheet.

This wasn’t the performance France wanted—but it’s not without positives. In the right frame, it looks like the painful start of something promising, not the end.

France Show Promise in Attack – But Defensive Woes Remain Costly

France may have been on the wrong end of a nine-goal thriller against Spain, but their attacking unit certainly didn’t go down quietly.

Even while trailing heavily before the hour mark, Les Bleus created numerous chances and kept Spain’s defence on alert throughout. In fact, France outshot Spain in both halves and finished the match with more efforts on target overall—a testament to their persistent attacking threat.

Speaking to RTVE after the game, captain Kylian Mbappé reflected on the highs and lows:
“We had some bursts of play we haven’t shown in a long time. But we conceded two goals in ten minutes—once in each half. That’s where it got away from us. We lacked consistency over 90 minutes, but we improved. It’s not all negative.”

Mbappé had a handful of chances before converting from the penalty spot, while Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final hero Désiré Doué narrowly missed, and Ousmane Dembélé struck the post with a powerful effort.

But the standout was undoubtedly Rayan Cherki, the 21-year-old Lyon attacker who entered the match and made an immediate impact. His volley from the edge of the box was arguably the goal of the night, and his pinpoint cross set up Randal Kolo Muani’s header that brought France to within one.

Still, for all the promise going forward, France’s undoing came at the back.

Juventus full-back Pierre Kalulu, making his senior debut on his 25th birthday, had a night to forget. Clement Lenglet, earning his first cap since 2021, also looked off the pace. The defensive unit—unfamiliar and untested—struggled to cope with Spain’s relentless movement and sharp finishing.

Manager Didier Deschamps defended his selections, pointing to the need for experimentation:
“I’m not here to point fingers, but I had a backline who haven’t played much together. This was about testing another defensive line. I’m not giving up on them. There were mitigating circumstances—but Spain are incredibly efficient. We were able to score goals too.”

Ultimately, while France’s defence showed cracks, their attack gave fans reasons to believe. With Cherki emerging, and the frontline generating chances even under pressure, Deschamps still has firepower to build around.

But if France want to challenge Spain and others in next summer’s World Cup, tightening up at the back is non-negotiable.

Conclusion: France Fall Short, but Signs of Promise Remain

In the end, France’s 5-4 loss to Spain was a chaotic, entertaining showcase of attacking brilliance—and defensive fragility. While the result will sting, it wasn’t without silver linings. The forward line, led by Mbappé and supported by rising star Rayan Cherki, showed creativity, resilience, and no shortage of flair.

Deschamps’ experimental backline may have struggled, but the match offered valuable lessons ahead of next summer’s World Cup. With time to rebuild defensive cohesion and continued development from young talents like Cherki and Doué, France remain a serious threat on the global stage. Fix the back, and the future still looks bright.