Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal guides Spain towards a potential record-breaking sixth Euros victory as they prepare for a highly anticipated Semifinals Euros match against France on Tuesday. [Dan Mullan/Getty Images]
By Al Jazeera Staff
Published On 8 Jul 2024
Spain and France, two giants of European football, are poised to deliver a thrilling semifinals euros encounter. This mouth-watering clash pits the pre-tournament favorites, France, against a Spanish side that has been consistently impressive throughout Euro 2024.
All eyes will be on French talisman Kylian Mbappe and Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal. While Mbappe is expected to spearhead the French attack, questions linger about France’s recent form, which has been less dominant than anticipated.
Road to Semifinals Euros: Contrasting Fortunes
Spain enters the semifinals euros as the only team with a perfect record in Euro 2024, boasting five wins from five matches. Their attacking prowess is evident in their joint-top goalscoring record (11 goals) and leading statistics in total attempts (102) and ball recoveries (230). This dominant run has firmly established Spain as the team to beat in the semifinals euros and a strong contender for the title.
Conversely, France has faced criticism for performances that haven’t quite lived up to expectations. Despite reaching the semifinals euros, they progressed without scoring from open play in their recent matches, raising concerns about their offensive firepower against a solid Spanish defense.
Despite their less convincing Euros campaign compared to their impressive World Cup record – winning in 2018 and finishing as runners-up in 2022 – France, under Didier Deschamps, are still a formidable force. They edged past Portugal in the quarterfinals euros on penalties, a match where Mbappe’s form was again under scrutiny.
Antoine Griezmann’s form is also a key concern for France as they head into this crucial semifinals euros match. In contrast, Spain confidently overcame Germany in the quarterfinals euros, showcasing their resilience and tactical adaptability.
Youssouf Fofana, France’s midfielder, addressed critics in a press conference, stating, “We are semifinalists. That’s enough to be in the semifinals. So I don’t see why we would nitpick.” However, against a high-flying Spain in the semifinals euros, France will need to elevate their game significantly.
The iconic Munich Football Arena in Germany, home of Bayern Munich, is set to host this highly anticipated semifinals euros clash on Tuesday, July 9. [Alexandra Beier/AFP]
Spain’s Strength in Depth for Semifinals Euros
While France grapples with form concerns, Spain’s journey to the semifinals euros has been marked by consistent excellence, despite facing their own challenges with player availability. Midfielder Pedri’s injury rules him out for the remainder of the tournament, and key defenders Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal are suspended for the semifinals euros match.
Despite these absences, Spain’s squad depth will be tested. Nacho is expected to partner Aymeric Laporte in central defense, while veteran Jesus Navas, at 38, is set to bring his wealth of experience to the fullback position. Navas, a member of Spain’s golden generation that triumphed at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012, embodies the winning mentality Spain aims to recapture in this semifinals euros.
Navas will be instrumental in supporting the dynamic young winger Lamine Yamal on the right flank. Yamal, alongside the slightly older Nico Williams, has been a revelation at Euro 2024, consistently troubling opposition defenses with their pace and skill.
Coach Luis de la Fuente has successfully blended experience and youth, fostering a united team spirit. “Unity is strength and if we all keep pushing in the same direction, we can achieve our goals,” de la Fuente emphasized.
The winner of this high-stakes semifinals euros encounter will proceed to the Euro 2024 final on July 14, facing either Netherlands or England.
Semifinals Euros: Key Facts and Figures
Fun Fact: Spain is aiming to become the first team to win six consecutive matches in the history of the European Championship in this semifinals euros.
FIFA Rankings:
- Spain: 8
- France: 2
Head-to-Head Record (36 Games):
- Spain Wins: 16
- France Wins: 13
- Draws: 7
Last Five Matches:
- Spain: W-W-W-W-W
- France: D-W-D-D-W
Possible Line-ups:
- Spain: Unai Simon; Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams
- Suspended: Carvajal, Le Normand
- France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
This semifinals euros match is set to be a tactical and enthralling battle between two of Europe’s footballing powerhouses. Football fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating this clash to see who will emerge victorious and secure a coveted spot in the Euro 2024 final.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies
