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- Randal Kolo Muani had his head shoved into the ground by Spain’s Nacho
- He responded by scoring a header just seconds later to put France in front
Footage has emerged of Spain defender Nacho shockingly shoving Randal Kolo Muani’s head into the ground just seconds before the France striker scored in Tuesday’s Euro 2024 semi-final.
Nacho was brought into Spain’s starting line-up to replace the suspended Robin Le Normand and looked to make his mark early on.
Inside the opening seven minutes, he went in for a challenge with Kolo Muani which left the Frenchman on the ground. As he went to get up, Nacho put his left hand on the back of Kolo Muani’s head and slammed it into the pitch.
It was a heavy blow that left Kolo Muani holding his head in agony, but he quickly got back to his feet, and took his revenge almost immediately.
A matter of seconds after the controversial incident that was not punished by VAR, Kolo Muani got himself into the six-yard box to head home Kylian Mbappe‘s inviting cross and put France in front.
It was France’s first goal from open play in the tournament, and Kolo Muani wheeled away to celebrate with his team-mates after slipping away from Nacho in the penalty area.
In their previous five matches, France had only scored three times – two own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty.
However, France’s lead did not last long as 16-year-old wonderkid Yamine Lamal brought Spain level in the 21st minute with a stunning curled effort from 25 yards that flew into the net via the inside of the post.
Spain then took the lead four minutes later after Dani Olmo’s effort was deflected into the net by France full back Jules Kounde.