Stuttgart: Lamine Yamal and winger Nico Williams produced dazzling displays as Spain edged France 5-4 in a thrilling UEFA Nations League semifinal on Thursday, setting up a final clash with Portugal.

Spain, the reigning European champions, raced to a 5-1 lead thanks to a brace from 17-year-old Yamal, goals from Mikel Merino and Pedri, and a fine finish by Williams, who also added an assist. The French defence, reshuffled due to injuries, had no answers to Spain's pace and precision in the opening hour.

Although Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty in the second half, Spain looked firmly in control—until a late French surge threatened to turn the match on its head.

France struck three times in the final minutes: a stunning debut goal by Rayan Cherki, an own goal by Daniel Vivian, and a stoppage-time header from Randal Kolo Muani brought them within one. But Spain held firm to secure a memorable win.

France started brightly, with Ousmane Dembele proving lively early on. He created a clear chance for Mbappe, who surprisingly chose to pass rather than shoot when through on goal. Soon after, Theo Hernandez’s powerful drive grazed the crossbar.

Spain made them pay. Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a slick move involving Yamal and Oyarzabal. Just three minutes later, Merino made it 2-0 after a clever assist from Oyarzabal again.

Dembele continued to probe, but Unai Simon stood tall in the Spanish goal. Spain had a third ruled out for offside just before halftime after an intricate free-kick routine.

The second half brought more drama. Yamal earned and converted a penalty in the 54th minute, and within seconds, Williams teed up Pedri to make it 4-0. Though Mbappe pulled one back from the spot, Yamal struck again to make it 5-1 and seemingly end the contest.

But France kept pushing. Cherki’s long-range stunner, an own goal, and Kolo Muani’s header brought them back within touching distance, though ultimately, it was too little, too late.