Fans on social media heaped praise on Rayan Cherki for his performance in the UEFA Nations League semifinal between Spain and France on Thursday, June 5. The 21-year-old pulled off an incredible cameo in his debut appearance for the French senior team despite falling to a 5-4 defeat in Stuttgart.
Didier Deschamps’ men started the game strongly as Theo Hernandez registered the first shot of the night, though it hit the crossbar. Spain took the lead in the 22nd minute against the run of play.
Mikel Oyarzabal laid it for Nico Williams in Les Bleus’ box, and the latter kept his composure, slotting the ball into the roof of the net. La Roja doubled their lead three minutes later when Oyarzabal found an advancing Mikel Merino, who beat Mike Maignan at the near post from 10 yards.
France started the second half with the same intent as the first, but found themselves in trouble once again when Adrien Rabiot was adjudged to have fouled Lamine Yamal in the 18-yard box. The teenage sensation assumed responsibility and clinically dispatched his spot-kick. Pedri added another almost immediately with a brilliant dink over Maignan to stretch Spain’s advantage to four.
The 2022 World Cup runners-up stared at humiliation in the face, but Kylian Mbappe won a penalty before the hour mark from Pedro Porro, which he converted. Yamal restored Spain’s four-goal lead in the 67th minute.
Rayan Cherki’s introduction in the 63rd minute completely changed the game for France. He reduced his team’s deficit to three goals with a brilliant long-range volley in the 79th minute. France continued to crank up the pressure, and they forced an own goal from Dani Vivian in the 84th minute. Cherki was involved in the build-up as he played a sublime through-ball to Malo Gusto.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Cherki’s cross found Randal Kolo Muani, who headed home, to set up a nervy ending. However, Les Bleus’ late onslaught wasn’t enough, as Spain held on for the remaining minutes. Despite the loss, fans took to X to praise Cherki for his impact in the 27 minutes he spent on the pitch, with one writing:
Another tweeted:
Rayan Cherki stated that his move to Manchester City is “getting done” after his incredible cameo in France’s 5-4 loss to Spain. The Lyon forward has been linked with a move to the Etihad, and recent reports have suggested that he has agreed to personal terms with City.
After the 5-4 loss to Spain, the 21-year-old told Telefoot (via Fabrizio Romano):
Cherki is a product of the Lyon academy. He registered 32 goal contributions for the Ligue 1 club across competitions last season.
An ardent Chelsea fan, Ezekiel’s journey as a football fan began in his childhood, witnessing Ronaldinho dazzle with his skills. His interest in the beautiful game deepened after Nigeria were knocked out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup; he was impressed with the Super Eagles’ fighting spirit in their 2-2 Group B draw against South Korea. Some other World Cup matches which have left a deep impact on him were Belgium’s incredible comeback against Japan in the round of 16 of the 2018 version and the 2022 final.
Lionel Messi is the one true GOAT for Ezekiel and he also follows the Major League Soccer and the Saudi Pro League owing to him and Cristiano Ronaldo. When not writing, he spends his free time deepening his SEO knowledge and watching skits.
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