New Delhi: The first semi-final of UEFA Euro 2024 will see Spain take on France in Allianz Arena, Munich (Tuesday, July 9th). While France hasn’t performed to their usual standards, Spain comes into the draw as one of the strongest contenders, crossing the final two steps left in this tournament.
Spain is the only team to have won all five games in the tournament, and they are entering the semi-finals. Luis de la Fuente has turned the team into an invincible side that can dominate any big name. Against Germany, Dani Olmo replaced the injured Pedri and put La Roja in the lead. Though Florian Wirtz equalised, Mikel Merino’s header ensured his side’s spot in the semis.
De la Fuente’s tactical changes and diverse approach, which involves quick passing and pace out wide, have brought the Spanish side quite a lot of success. Their recent victory in the UEFA Nations League has instilled confidence in the team’s trajectory, marking their best winning streak since the golden era of June 2010. It is evident in their performance in the tournament, where Spain beat Croatia, Italy, Albania, Georgia, and hosts Germany, who played well throughout the tournament until the quarter-finals.
Spain have reached the European Championship finals four out of five times. However, in the previous edition, they lost to Italy, who eventually won the tournament in penalties. They will give their best foot forward to meet either England or the Netherlands on Sunday.
France are aiming for their fourth European Championship final appearance, but only the second was not played at home. Didier Deschamps was at the helm in 2016 when his side lost to Portugal in Paris.
Ever since France’s defeat in the 2022 World Cup, the team have been inconsistent and lacked their usual flair. In the group stage, France lost the top spot of Group D to Austria, appeared uninspired in their win against Belgium, and just managed to pull off a victory against Portugal in the quarter-finals.
French goalkeeper Mike Maignan needed to make a couple of crucial saves to send the game into extra time. Theo Hernandez took home the decisive kick from 12 yards. Though Kylian Mbappe was forced off the field before the shootout, Les Bleus managed a win. Without Mbappe in his best form, there are only four French goals from the five games in Euro 2024.
Team News
Spain are sure to make at least three fresh faces on Tuesday evening. Both right-back Dani Carvajal and French-born defender Robin Le Normand will serve suspensions. Pedri, too, was forced off the field in the early stages of the quarter-final after the Barcelona midfielder suffered a medial collateral ligament knee sprain and was ruled out for the summer.
This could mean the highly experienced Nacho and Jesus Navas pair may step into La Roja’s back four. Dani Olmo’s performance as a substitute against Germany was on point and will likely replace Pedri. Midfielder Rodri has both attempted and completed the most passes than any player between the two teams. On the front, Captain Alvaro Morata will be supported by Nico Williams and 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.
Though France have no disciplinary issues in its camp, Kylian Mbappe’s nose injury is still a concern for Didier Deschamps. His team lacks intensity in the final third. The French striker has only one goal in this tournament. His record in the Euros contrasts the World Cup, where he has a tally of 12 goals.
Mike Maignan will be a focal point of the team’s performance. He boasts a save ratio of 94% in this tournament and has kept four clean sheets so far. Marcus Thuram and Ferland Mendy are expected to recover from minor injuries. Adrien Rabiot will be back from a one-match ban, but it is still unclear if he will replace Eduardo Camavinga, who deputised against Portugal.
N’Golo Kante is certain to start in the semis. He has played the most games in European Championship history without ever finishing on the losing side, winning eight times and playing a draw on five occasions.
Head to Head
Playing against each other since 1922, both teams have played seven draws, with Spain winning 16 games and France winning 13 encounters. Spain have been on a roll and have beaten some of the toughest opponents in this tournament so far. They look like a team that is chasing its fourth title in the Euros. France, on the other hand, though, have the qualities to be a trophy contender. They haven’t played to their best of potential. French fans will hope that their star players will rise to the occasion and bring home the European Championship for the 3rd time
Predicted XI
Spain: Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
When, where and how to watch the Spain vs France match in India?
The Spain vs France UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 12:30 pm IST tonight.
The titans clash as in form Spanish team takes on a France side who are yet to hit the purple patch. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
