Kylian Mbappe scores milestone goal and assists another as France secure third place in Stuttgart; Spain and Portugal set for historic showdown in the final
Stuttgart [Germany], June 9:
Kylian Mbappe added another glittering chapter to his international career by scoring his 50th goal for France, leading Les Bleus to a 2-0 victory over Germany and clinching third place in the UEFA Nations League, as reported by Sky Sports.
The match at Stuttgart was a tale of missed chances and clinical finishing. Germany came close on several occasions, with Florian Wirtz nearly opening the scoring, only to see his powerful effort crash against the post. Despite the early threats from the hosts, it was France who seized the momentum just before halftime.
Mbappe struck a composed finish past the German goalkeeper, marking his milestone 50th international goal. The 25-year-old Real Madrid forward is now just one goal behind Thierry Henry, France’s all-time leading scorer, solidifying his place in the pantheon of French football legends.
As the game wore on, Mbappe continued to influence proceedings. In the final minutes, he turned provider, slipping in substitute Michael Olise, who coolly slotted home to make it 2-0 and seal the result. Mike Maignan, France’s goalkeeper, was equally instrumental, pulling off a string of vital saves to keep Germany at bay and maintain a clean sheet.
The win provided a consolation prize for France after their heartbreaking 5-4 semi-final loss to Spain, a match that will be remembered as one of the tournament’s most thrilling contests.
While France celebrated bronze, the focus now shifts to the final showdown in Munich between Spain and Portugal — two footballing giants vying to become the first team to win the UEFA Nations League twice.
Portugal, the inaugural champions in 2019, reached the final by defeating host nation Germany 2-1 in the first semi-final. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 39, delivered yet another clutch moment, scoring his 137th international goal, reinforcing his record as the top goal scorer in international football history.
Spain, led by Luis de la Fuente, earned their spot with a sensational semi-final triumph over France. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy, scored twice in the nine-goal thriller and will be central to Spain’s chances in the final. The final will mark a generational duel — Ronaldo, the iconic veteran, versus Yamal, the emerging superstar.
Spain enters the final unbeaten in their last 10 Nations League matches away from home. Portugal, under Roberto Martinez, have lost just one of their last nine games in the tournament. Their last Nations League encounter ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain in Braga in 2022.
As France reflects on a respectable third-place finish and Mbappe’s historic milestone, all eyes now turn to Munich, where football history will once again be written.