Fans have been served a thrilling encounter in the first semi-finals of the Euro 2024. Spain and France look at the top of their game, with either side having what it takes to secure a spot in the finals. Kylian Mbappe‘s France started the game with a bang with striker Randal Kolo Muani bagging the opening goal in the 9th minute.

The goal came just minutes after Nacho Fernades‘ rash tackle on the Frenchman, with the defender smashing Kolo Muani’s head into the ground. The 8th minute of the game saw the two jostle for the ball with Kolo Muani using his body to shield the ball. With Nacho breathing down his neck, the striker fell to the ground. Nacho was unable to control his momentum as he fell forward but used Kolo Muani’s head to keep himself up.

Fans were not pleased with the rash tackle as fans felt Spain was being too rough during the contest. However, the referee felt the foul was just an incident during the heat of the moment and let the Spaniard go unbooked. While fans suggested would have been a red card if it was any other player considering Nacho couldn’t control his momentum, a red card would be too forward in this situation.

There was a little bit of banter with the foul with some fans suggesting Nacho Fernandes has “Real Madrid DNA” in his genes and it’s hard to take the playstyle away even if a player leaves the club. The Spaniard announced his Madrid exit this summer with the player set to join Middle Eastern club Al Qadsiah.

Some fans were not happy with the foul from the Spanish defender as one labeled him an idiot, while some claimed he was never beating the allegations. Don’t know what that is about but would not be surprised if this was a France or Barcelona fan!

There has been some debate over the referee’s decisions during the Euros. Spain’s last game against Germany saw the team avoid what could have been a game-changing penalty. Defender Marc Cucurella, attempting to block a shot, tried to pry his hands away from his body. However, he was a tad late, with the ball striking his body. While German players felt the handball offense warranted a penalty, the referee thought otherwise and let the game play on.

With the game getting heated, the referee’s decision to let Nacho leave unchecked is also understandable as the defender did not intentionally bash Kolo Muani’s head into the ground.

Euro 2024: Lamine Yamal springs Spain back into the game in style

The momentum seems to have shifted in Spain’s favor following the opening goal from France. Lamine Yamal made history for his team in the first half as he provided them with a stunning level while also becoming the youngest player in Euro history to score a goal. Before France could comprehend what happened, the team was struck with another goal just 3 minutes later as Dani Olmo’s shot deflected off Jules Kounde into the back of the net.

With less than 30 minutes left in the contest, Kylian Mbappe and France will have to give their all to turn things around. Didier Deschamps’s side needs at least 1 goal if they want to take things to extra time. Both sides look eager for the win here tonight, with the winner securing a place in the finals. The winner of the contest will face either England or Netherlands in the finals.