Shouldn’t this have been the final match? Many football fans are asking as the two best sides of the tournament square off in the semi-final of Euro 2024.
Interestingly, both Spain and France are undefeated in their run so far, with Spain getting five straight wins and Les Blues (France’s national team) arriving with three wins and two draws.
Both teams are in top form with this being the final years of France’s golden generation, making them probable to win the tie, keeping in mind their experience of being in the final stages of big tournaments. France was the runner-up in Euro 2016. They went on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup and were the runners-up again in 2022.
With Mbappe in his prime, Griezmann and Giroud still having some time before their final dance, the French are settled in attack. The magical engine N’Golo Kante is fresh as ever in midfield and Ousmane Dembele has been lethal in the wings throughout the tournament. Kounde, Camavinga and Theo Hernandez like the fort of Bastille in defence are steady and firm and goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been in top shape. This means that Les Blues should not falter against Spain.
But their dismal performance against Portugal reveals an Achilles heel that Coach Didier Deschamp must take care of. Spain with a young squad this tournament has been on a dream run. The 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal is certainly the find of the tournament. Still in his teens and keeping the German defence perturbed is no mean feat.
Dani Olmo displaying superior positional sense, with a delightful goal past Manuel Neur in the quarter-final will surely be a threat to the French defence. The 21-year-old Nico William Jr is a treat to the eyes, such is his attacking aggression. Just a mention of his goal against Georgia and all La Roja (Spanish national team) fans light up.
Real Madrid stars Dani Carvajal and Nacho are giving a defence masterclass to other teams, as their experience on the big stage comes in handy in big matches. Marc Cucurella too has been impressive in defence, learning from his world-class colleagues.
Pedri’s injury will certainly be a blow to Espana but they still have plenty of fire left in the gun with Fabian Ruiz in a show-stopping form. The PSG midfielder will be instrumental in Spain’s performance tonight as he must find the right gaps to trace Captain Alvaro Morata in attack.
Manchester City star Rodri will be heavily marked by the blue shirts throughout the game, but the midfielder is used to such adoration. Captain Morata scored his nation’s first goal in the tournament against Croatia. His side needs him to inspire them even more with a goal tonight.
Goalkeeper Unai Simon has conceded just two goals in the tournament so far. His confident form will be a cushion to rely on.
While Spain will have the upper edge in confidence, after knocking hosts Germany out. But La Roja have to be careful not to let the French midfield settle. It is impossible to mark N’Golo Kante throughout the game, he is tireless even in the final minutes. Just one successful combination with Mbappe or Dembele and the French rise as high as their Eiffel Tower.
On the other hand, France’s Kounde will seek to tackle Yamal with more physicality, giving the winger less room to dribble and assist. William Jr too will find a tough opponent in Theo Hernandez. France must realise that wingers are the key to holding the Spanish, who will seek to enter their opposition’s D with speed and sparkle and find Morata or Olmo in perfect scoring runs.
Catch Spain vs France tonight at 12:30 am IST