France 4-5 Spain result - UEFA Nations League semi-final sees Lamine Yamal-inspired La Roja survive late fightback to book place in final

Spain moved one step closer to becoming the first team to defend the UEFA Nations League title, as they survived a late scare to beat France 5-4 in their semi-final in Germany.

Les Bleus made a bright start, with Theo Hernandez in particular having a couple of chances, sending one shot from outside the area over the bar, then smashing the woodwork with another from a similar distance.

They failed to make their pressure count though, and found themselves 1-0 down when a low Lamine Yamal pass into the area caused havoc and was eventually worked to Nico Williams, who smashed into the roof of the net from near the penalty spot.

Three minutes later, La Roja doubled their lead through Mikel Merino, who calmly slotted past Mike Maignan after being sent through on goal by Mikel Oyarzabal.

France were undeterred though, with goalkeeper Unai Simon forced into smart saves from Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele to ensure the two-goal cushion remained at the break.

The next goal was crucial, and when it fell Spain’s way, it was surely game over. Yamal got it, converting from the penalty spot after being brought down by Adrien Rabiot.

A minute later, it was 4-0, Pedri this time on target, hooking delightfully home after playing a one-two with Williams that saw him released into the area.

Kylian Mbappe did pull one back shortly afterwards, finding the bottom corner with a penalty of his own after being dragged to the ground by Pedro Porro.

The damage was already done though, and Yamal grabbed his second when beautifully and deftly finding the bottom corner from Porro’s knock-down.

That should have been game over, but France were not going away. Rising star Rayan Cherki, on debut, scored the goal of the night late on to make it 5-2, firing home from outside the box.

A Dani Vivian own goal further reduced the deficit, before substitute Randal Kolo Muani headed home deep into added time, only for Les Bleus to run out of time.

Spain progress to face Portugal in the final on Sunday.

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They will stay in Stuttgart to play Germany in the third v fourth placed play-off.

La Roja move to within one win of defending their UEFA Nations League crown. They will face Portugal in the final on Sunday.

What a ludicrous game of football! Spain were 5-1 up, but France did not give up. They ran out of time in the end though, as La Roja book their place in the finals of the UEFA Nations League!

He gets booked for dissent

Surely not? SURELY NOT? A brilliant cross is bent to the back post by Cherki - what an impact he's had - and it picks out Kolo Muani, who just has to hit the target with a header. He does that. Game on!!

He's picked out on the penalty spot, but sends a header miles over the bar

He's replaced by Gavi, making his first international appearance in over a year after injury

That's how long France have to rescue something

That could have made things really interesting! Barcola bursts past Porro and pulls back to Kolo Muani on the edge of the box, but his first-time shot goes agonisingly over the bar!

The goalkeeper stretches out his right leg to divert a low Samu strike out from a corner, after the striker angled a shot towards goal

Well, well, well. Is it game on? Gusto whips a low ball into the six yard box and Vivian feels he has to get something on it. He does, but only to touch the ball past Simon and into his own net. 5-3!

The France fans are not really partaking, but the neutrals and Spaniards certainly are!

He wrestles Yamal to the ground and runs off with a smile on his face, knowing the punishment that awaits

Wow! What a goal that is! The best of the night! Cherki brings his club football to the international stage as he Christens his debut with a brilliant strike from the edge of the area that is simply unstoppable!

Dani Vivian and Samu Aghehowa replace Robin Le Normand and Oyarzabal

Final France sub - Randal Kolo Muani replaces Dembele

France win the ball back though and work it into the Spain half of the field. Mbappe has space in the D and sends a low shot to the bottom left, but Simon saves!

Spain pass the ball around with ease in the France half of the field, with every touch greeted by an ole! Their fans are loving this!