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Spain are through to the UEFA Nations League final after beating France 5-4 in a thrilling match at Stuttgart Arena. The defending champions will now face Portugal in an all-Iberian final on Sunday.

Spain made a fast start and led 4-0 at one point, but France came close to a dramatic comeback in the second half.

Nico Williams and Mikel Merino scored early goals to give Spain a 2-0 lead in the first 25 minutes. Teenager Lamine Yamal made it 3-0 from the penalty spot early in the second half. Just a minute later, Pedri scored a beautiful goal to put Spain 4-0 up.

France got one back through a Kylian Mbappé penalty, but Yamal scored again in the 67th minute to make it 5-1. It was a brilliant performance by the 17-year-old star.

France refused to give up. Rayan Cherki scored a stunning goal, then a Spain own goal by Dani Vivian and a finish from Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 with just minutes to go. But Spain held on to reach the final.

France will now play Germany in the third-place match, also on Sunday.

Spain are the current Nations League champions, having won in 2023. Portugal won the first edition in 2019, and France were champions in 2021.


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