Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal guides Spain towards a potential record-breaking sixth consecutive Euros victory as they face France in the highly anticipated semifinal. [Dan Mullan/Getty Images]
Published On July 9, 2024
The Euro 2024 semifinals are set to deliver a spectacular match as football giants Spain and France collide. While fans might have dreamed of a Germany Vs Spain Euro Match Today, it is this Spain vs France encounter that promises high stakes, thrilling action, and a battle for a place in the final.
- Teams: Spain vs France
- Match: Euro 2024 Semifinal
- Location: Munich Football Arena, Munich, Germany
- Date and Time: Tuesday, July 9, 9pm CEST (19:00 GMT)
- Live Coverage: Follow live updates and commentary on major sports websites, including pre-match build-up starting four hours before kickoff.
Spain and France, two powerhouses of European football, are ready to lock horns in a semifinal that many anticipated even before the tournament began. Although a Germany vs Spain euro match today would have drawn massive local support given the tournament location, this Spain vs France semifinal carries its own weight as a clash between pre-tournament favorites and current in-form team.
France boasts the dazzling talent of Kylian Mbappe, a player capable of changing a game in an instant, while Spain showcases the youthful brilliance of Lamine Yamal. France, initially tipped as overwhelming favorites, have shown some cracks in their armor, making this matchup even more unpredictable.
Path to the Semifinal: Contrasting Fortunes
Spain enters this semifinal with an unblemished record at Euro 2024, winning all their matches. Their attacking prowess is evident in their tournament stats – joint-highest goals scored (11), most total attempts (102), and leading in ball recoveries (230). This dominant form has firmly established Spain as the team to beat and a strong contender for the Euro 2024 title. Their quarterfinal victory against Germany, though hypothetical in this matchup as Germany was already eliminated by Spain in the actual quarterfinal, would have been a major statement.
France, in contrast, has faced criticism for not living up to expectations. Despite reaching the semifinals, their performances have been less convincing. Notably, they progressed to this stage without scoring a single goal from open play in the knockout rounds, raising questions about their attacking fluidity.
While France’s recent major tournament record is impressive – reaching the finals of the last two World Cups, winning one – their Euro track record under Didier Deschamps is less stellar. Their best result in his 12-year tenure was a runner-up finish at home in 2016. In their quarterfinal, France narrowly defeated Portugal in a penalty shootout, with Mbappe’s form and focus under scrutiny.
Youssouf Fofana, France’s midfielder, brushed off criticism in a press conference, stating, “We are semifinalists… We have to realise that that’s enough to be in the semifinals.” However, the questions surrounding the form of key players like Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann persist as they prepare to face a confident Spanish side. A Germany vs Spain euro match today might have been a different tactical challenge for both teams, but facing Spain still requires France to elevate their game significantly.
Munich Football Arena, Bayern Munich’s home ground, is set to host this thrilling Euro 2024 semifinal on Tuesday, July 9. [Alexandra Beier/AFP]
Spain’s Resilience and Emerging Stars
Spain, despite their perfect run, faces challenges with key player absences in this semifinal. Midfielder Pedri is ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained in the quarterfinals. Additionally, defenders Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal are suspended, forcing Spain to reshuffle their defense.
Nacho is expected to partner Aymeric Laporte in central defense, while veteran Jesus Navas, at 38 years old, will fill in at fullback. Navas, a link to Spain’s golden generation that triumphed at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012, brings invaluable experience to the team.
Navas will be playing alongside the dynamic 16-year-old winger Lamine Yamal on the right flank. Yamal, alongside the slightly older Nico Williams (21), has been a revelation at Euro 2024, consistently troubling opposition defenses with their pace and skill. This blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent is a hallmark of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad.
“This is everyone’s national team. Unity is strength and if we all keep pushing in the same direction, we can achieve our goals,” coach de la Fuente emphasized, highlighting the team spirit and connection with fans.
The winner of this high-stakes semifinal will proceed to the Euro 2024 final on July 14, facing the winner of the Netherlands vs England semifinal.
Fun Fact: History Beckons for Spain
Spain is the only team to have won all five matches in Euro 2024 so far. Remarkably, no team has ever achieved six consecutive wins in the history of the European Championship. Spain is on the cusp of making history. While a hypothetical Germany vs Spain euro match today would have been a major draw, Spain is focused on the task at hand against France and potentially breaking this record in the final.
Rankings and Head-to-Head
FIFA Rankings: Spain (8), France (2)
Head-to-Head Record (36 matches):
- Spain Wins: 16
- France Wins: 13
- Draws: 7
Recent Form (Last Five Matches):
- Spain: W-W-W-W-W
- France: D-W-D-D-W
Predicted Lineups
Spain: Unai Simon; Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams
France: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
Lineup information from Al Jazeera and news agencies.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, anticipation builds for this Euro 2024 semifinal. Whether you were hoping for a Germany vs Spain euro match today or are excited for this Spain vs France clash, prepare for a memorable night of football.
