UEFA helps Spanish star lead the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race

UEFA initially considered Spain’s second goal an own goal by Jules Kounde, but later awarded it to Spanish star Dani Olmo.

In the Euro 2024 semifinal between France and Spain, La Roja’s goal to make it 2-1 sparked much debate. Initially, many thought it was an own goal by Kounde (France), while others believed it was Olmo’s (Spain) goal.

UEFA first confirmed it as an own goal by Kounde. However, just a few minutes later, UEFA changed its decision, awarding the goal to Olmo based on the ball’s trajectory into the net.

With this goal, Olmo officially takes the lead in the Euro 2024 Golden Boot race. The RB Leipzig player has three goals, tied with Jamal Musiala, Mikautadze, Schranz, and Cody Gakpo. However, Olmo currently has two assists, the most among them.

Typically, shots not directed at the goal and then scored by the opponent are considered own goals, as in the case of Jan Vertonghen in the France vs. Belgium match (1-0, Round of 16).

However, this situation was not so straightforward. Dani Olmo made an adjusted shot, making it complex to determine whether the ball was aimed at the goal. Initially, UEFA deemed it an own goal by the French defender. But after careful review by the Technical Subcommittee, the goal was awarded to Dani Olmo.

The Spanish team did not start well in the semifinal against France. When the defense showed a bit of negligence, La Roja conceded an early goal from Randal Kolo Muani’s header.

However, 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal quickly equalized with an unstoppable long-range shot. Olmo’s goal to make it 2-1 was enough to secure the first ticket to the Euro 2024 final for “La Furia Roja.”

Spain will face the winner of the other semifinal between the Netherlands and England. The Euro 2024 final will take place at 8:00 PM on July 14 (UK time).