Controversy in Spain-France Semi-Final: Nacho’s Shocking Shove Before Kolo Muani’s Goal

Footage capturing a contentious moment in the Spain–France semi-final match has surfaced, revealing Spain’s defender Nacho pushing Randal Kolo Muani‘s head into the ground just moments before the striker scored.

Substituting for the suspended Robin Le Normand, Nacho’s action occurred early in the game, where he engaged in a challenge with Kolo Muani resulting in the controversial shove.

Despite the altercation going unpunished by VAR, Kolo Muani quickly retaliated by heading in a goal from a cross just seconds after the incident, propelling France into the lead.

Kolo Muani’s goal marked France’s first open-play goal of the tournament, as they had only previously scored twice through own goals and a Kylian Mbappe penalty in their preceding matches.

Spain, however, swiftly responded to France’s lead, as 16-year-old sensation Yamine Lamal equalized with a spectacular long-range curler that found the back of the net via the post.

The momentum swung further in Spain’s favor when Dani Olmo‘s shot was deflected into the net by France’s Jules Kounde, granting Spain the lead just minutes after conceding the first goal.