New Delhi: It’s time for the semi final of Euro 2024, and the fans are in for a treat a Spain go head to head against France to battle it out for finals spot. Both the teams have had contrasting journeys in order to reach a common goal, that is to win the Euro 2024 title. Spain have looked like ae dominant figure this campaign where they have maintained a hundred percent win record so far. The Spanish are also amongst the top scorers this campaign with a total of 11 goals and are playing some fluent football.
Spain have showed tremendous amount of urgency and flair that has helped them win hansomely this campaing. Besides, their midfield has looked lively and their defence hasn’t disappointed either. After knocking Germany out in a quarter final match that most considered to be an early title decider, Spain are certainly looking like the team to match.
However, France had an underwhelming season where they were amongst the the lowest scoring teams, while the French players are yet to score from an open play. Deschamps’ tactics haven’t quite worked as attackingly, the French strikers have failed to produce the end product. Their stats have been disappointing as France have the some world class attacking talents, who have failed to produce any sort of major threat in any of their games.
However, their defensive backline has looked solid as always, with the involvement of William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernandez and Joules Kounde. They have only conceded a single goal, that too a penalty against Poland in the group stages. However, their attacking play needs to improve as considering the quality of their attackers, they need to do better than three goals in a campaign. There are some key battles that the fans need to keep an eye on:
Theo Hernandez vs Lamine Yamal
Theo Hernandez and Lamine Yamal both have had a wonderful Euro campaign as they have been their team’s consistent performers, contributing heavily from their positions. Now that the Spanish side are up against the Les Bleus, it is a chance for all the fans to witness a battle of speed, skills and excitement. The 16-year-old Lamine Yamal playing as a right winger will be facing the French left fullback Theo Hernandez. The Spaniard Yamal has had a wonderful campaign where the teenager has already provided three assists and has broken the record for the youngest eer player to provide an assist in Euro championship.
The winger has produced some wonderful performances playing on the right side, partnering with Nico Williams. Yamal has played an important role in Spain’s attack and he is heavily involved in any sort of threat that Spain manage to create. He is a generational talent who is up agaisnt one of the best, if not the best, fullbacks in the world Theo Hernandez. The French fullback has consistently produced good performances for both club and country.
The AC Milan star has been a consistent performer for Les Bleus as he has done his job defensively and plays and equal role in the attack. It will be interesting to see how these two will be facing off against each other as it might prove to be a pivotal part in deciding the outcome of the game.
Fabian Ruiz vs Ngolo Kante
Fabian Ruiz vs Ngolo Kante (Getty Images)
A midfield battle where both the players have looked in a good shape throughout the campaign. The PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz turned out to be the surprise package for the Spanish side after producing some wonderful performances this campaign. The former Napoli midfielder’s quality was never in doubt, playing in the central role where he contributes both attackingly, while also fulfilling his defensive duties. The Spaniard was directly involved in four of his side’s goals as he has managed to score two while also provide two assists this campaign.
Besides he has been a crucial part of their midfield, thanks to his playmaking ability and the skill to find spaces to either run into or simply just play a throught pass towards his target men. His presence has been a pivotal part for the Spanish side as he truly has produced some brilliant performances for Luis de la Fuente’s side.
Ngolo Kante on the other hand has surprised everyone with his world class performances this campaign. The French midfielder never looked like he left European football as his contribution to the French side has turned out to been a major factor why they made it this far. Besides, the 33-year-old has already produced a few man of the match performances for his side and his midfield battle against Fabian Ruiz might turn out to be an important factor.
As we look forward to tonight’s big semi final clash between France and Spain, let’s have alook at the key battles on the pitch that might decide the outcome of the match. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
