Overview
- Spain took a 1-0 lead after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty awarded for a 22nd-minute foul on Lamine Yamal, and Pedro Porro added a second goal as Spain won 2-0 to advance to the final.
- Television rules analysts and IFAB interpretation said slow-motion contact hit Yamal’s sleeve near the ‘T‑shirt line’ with his elbow tucked, so the touch did not meet the handball offence test and the on-field call remained correct.
- France coach Didier Deschamps publicly questioned the referee’s overall performance, and Spain captain Rodri said Yamal suffered many unpunished challenges, claiming the winger endured around 10 to 15 fouls.
- Match data recorded only one foul won by Yamal—the penalty incident—highlighting a gap between players’ complaints about repeated rough treatment and the official foul count.
- The July 14 semi-final verdict leaves tournament refereeing under scrutiny and raises pressure on officials to show clearer consistency and better protection for high-profile young players in the final.