Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal. La Roja are now aiming to become the first nation to retain the trophy.

The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semifinal at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

Spain's 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

Thursday's game had been billed as a contest between young stars -- and Ballon d'Or contenders -- but it was clear that Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win in Munich on Saturday had added more weight to French legs with PSG stars Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé disappointing.

The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappé also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain's fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian's own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

Les Bleus will play Germany in a third-place play-off, having also been beaten by Spain in the UEFA European Championship semi-final last year.