Spain could be without Álvaro Morata for the Euro 2024 final after he was accidentally run over by a security guard on the pitch on Tuesday night following the team’s 2-1 victory over France.
Shortly after Spain’s victory in the semi-finals, a fan ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the team and try to take a selfie with them. As security rushed to grab the fan and escort him away, a guard fell directly into Morata’s legs from behind. The guard seemed to slip.
Although he didn’t fall to the ground, Morata immediately grabbed his right leg and started jumping, clearly in a lot of pain.
The details of his injury are not yet known. Midfielder Rodri said that Morata felt pain in the dressing room after the match, according to Atlético, but I hoped he would be “fine” for the final. Morata, who plays for Atlético Madrid, started all but one of Spain’s matches at the tournament. The 31-year-old scored once early in Spain’s 3-0 group stage victory over Croatia.
“We have to wait and see tomorrow,” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said. via USA Today. “We believe it is nothing. It hurts, but we think it’s nothing.”
The incident was the second of the match. Another fan ran out to take a photo with French star Kylian Mbappé in the second half and was removed by security.
Lamine Yamal, 16, became the youngest goalscorer in European Championship history on Tuesday when he scored in the 21st minute as Spain drew 1-1. His goal, scored from outside the box, it narrowly missed French goalkeeper Mike Maignan and found the back of the net.
Spain scored again minutes later, after a ball from Dani Olmo was deflected into the goal. That was enough to take them to a 2-1 victory.
Spain will now face the Netherlands or England in the Euro 2024 final, which is scheduled for Berlin on Sunday. Spain are looking for what would be a record fourth European title. England and the Netherlands will play their semi-final on Wednesday (3pm ET, Fox/Univision).