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Fans online have opined that Lamine Yamal should be awarded this year's Ballon d’Or after he scored a brace in the game between Spain and France. La Roja edged past Les Bleus 5-4 in the UEFA Nations League semifinals on Thursday (June 5).
Meanwhile, the encounter was an opportunity for leading Ballon d’Or contenders like Yamal and Ousmane Dembele to prove points. Both players were named in the starting XI for their respective nations.
Spain opened the scoring through Nico Williams, who was assisted by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute. Three minutes later, Oyarzabal delivered the ball to Mikel Merino, who doubled the Spaniards' lead.
In the 54th minute, Yamal scored from the penalty spot following a foul on him by Adrien Rabiot, making the scoreline 3-0. Pedri scored the Spaniards' fourth goal following a setup from Williams one minute after Yamal's goal.
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Mbappe converted a spot-kick (59') and gave France a lifeline following a foul on him by Pedro Porro. In the 67th minute, Yamal brilliantly directed his effort into the net, with the assist being provided by Porro, who seemed to have redeemed himself.
Despite goals from Rayan Cherki (79’) and Randal Kolo Muani (90+3'), and Dani Vivian's own goal (84'), France were unable to complete the comeback.
Meanwhile, Yamal had a standout game, as he scored two goals, made 10 recoveries, and won 10 out of 12 duels to propel the Spaniards to the final. On the other hand, Dembele, who was anticipated to be the game changer, had a relatively poor run.
After the encounter, fans lauded the 17-year-old Spaniard on X for his exquisite display, with one tweeting:
"Just ended the debate.”
"Give Lamine Yamal the Ballon D'or already!!!!!!! Who ever was in the conversation, he has faced and defeated each one! The most deserving one,” another added.
"Lamine Yamal is going to make it extremely difficult for anyone to ignore him for the ballon d’or,” a fan opined.
"Lamine Yamal vs the Ballon d’Or contenders: Lamine Yamal: 2 goals, 1 penalty won. Dembele: 0 goals, 0 assists. Doue: 0 goals, 0 assists,” another shared.
"Yamal shut down that sham Ballon D’Or agenda with immediate effect,”a fan chimed in.
"I hope it's clear now. Lamine Yamal for Ballon D'or,” wrote another.
"The best team will take the trophy back to Spain" - Lamine Yamal on La Roja's Nations League final against Portugal
Lamine Yamal is confident of Spain winning the Nations League final against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. He also acknowledged that both sides have world-class players.
In a press briefing after their semifinal win over France, Yamal said (via Goals Side's X handle):
"Portugal? We are both two very good teams, with world-class players. I think the best team will win. And the best team will take the trophy back to Spain."
The final between Spain and Portugal will be played in Munich on Sunday (June 8). Yamal will look to win the trophy, which will enhance his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or.
