Spain and France are set to clash in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday, just one step away from Berlin.
The La Roja have been unstoppable, reaching the semi-finals with a perfect record. They advanced by defeating their hosts in the previous round. France, on the other hand, made it to the final four after a tense penalty shootout win over Portugal. This matchup brings together two of the tournament's strongest teams.
In the first quarter-final of Euro 2024, Spain edged out Germany with a 2-1 win in extra time. Dani Olmo, who replaced the injured Pedri, scored first for Spain. Germany equalized through Florian Wirtz, but Mikel Merino's powerful header secured Spain's place in the semis just before the game could go to penalties.
Spain, under coach Luis de la Fuente, is the only team to have won all five of their matches so far. They are on the verge of making history, as no team has ever won six matches in a single European Championship finals.
De la Fuente's tactical changes since taking over from Luis Enrique have paid off. His team has embraced a more diverse approach, focusing on quick passing and pace on the wings. Spain's impressive run includes winning 15 of their 19 games under De la Fuente, giving them the best win percentage of any European nation since the start of 2023.
Spain’s victory in the recent UEFA Nations League bolstered confidence, and they are on their best winning streak since June 2010. Historically, Spain has advanced from four out of five European Championship semi-finals, though they lost on penalties to Italy three years ago. Now, they aim for a spot in their fifth continental final, their first since 2012, with either England or the Netherlands awaiting them.
France, meanwhile, is striving to reach their fourth European Championship final, but only the second outside of France. Coach Didier Deschamps, who led the team to a loss in the 2016 final against Portugal, is determined to go all the way this time.
France’s journey to the semi-finals has been rocky compared to Spain's. After losing to Austria in the group stage, France had a lackluster win over Belgium and barely edged past Portugal in the quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Mike Maignan made crucial saves to force extra time, and Theo Hernandez's decisive penalty kick in Hamburg secured their place in the semis. Concerns about the form and fitness of captain Kylian Mbappe persist, as he was forced off before the shootout against Portugal. France's offense has struggled, scoring only four goals in five matches, all from penalties or own goals.
Despite their struggles, France remains a formidable opponent. They may not be as flashy as Spain, but few would bet against them, especially given their recent victory over Spain in the 2021 Nations League final.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Spain's lineup for Tuesday's match will see at least three new players, aside from a few changes made in a previous match against Albania.Key right-back Dani Carvajal and defender Robin Le Normand are both suspended and Pedri, who left the quarter-final in tears due to a knee injury, will miss the rest of Euro 2024. As a result, veterans Nacho and Jesus Navas are likely to step into Spain's defense. Dani Olmo, who impressed as a substitute against Germany, is expected to replace Pedri in midfield.
In the attack, captain Alvaro Morata will be joined by Nico Williams and 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Yamal has been a standout, creating 14 chances in the tournament, the most by a Spanish player at a major tournament since Xavi's 25 at Euro 2012.
France, on the other hand, has no disciplinary issues but is concerned about Kylian Mbappe's nose injury. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker has only scored one goal from 20 shots in Euro 2024, with a low strike rate of 3% in the European Championships.
In contrast, goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been outstanding, with a 94% save rate, the best among goalkeepers who have played more than one match in the tournament. He will play behind an unchanged defense.
Adrien Rabiot returns from a one-match ban, but it's uncertain if he will replace Eduardo Camavinga, who performed well in the midfield against Portugal.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Spain possible starting lineup:Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams
France possible starting lineup:
Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Spain 1-0 France
In their sixth encounter at a major tournament, it's high time for an inspired Spain to triumph over France once more.
Although Spain's quick and skillful play might be initially challenged by France's strong defense, they will ultimately break through and secure a well-deserved spot in the final.
