Introduction

Euro 2024 moves to its business end with only four team remaining in the running as the semifinal stage on July 10.

Spain takes on France while England faces Netherlands as the final four teams are set to battle it out for European glory.

The Semifinal Clash

The highly anticipated semifinal match between Spain and France in the 2024 European Championship is set to take place on Tuesday, July 9th, at the Munich Football Arena in Germany. Both teams have had impressive runs in the tournament, with Spain winning all five of their matches so far and France keeping four clean sheets in their five games.

Spain’s Formidable Form

Spain, led by coach Luis de la Fuente, has showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the competition. They have scored the most goals, taken the most shots, and recovered the most balls. The Spanish squad boasts a talented lineup, including players like Unai Simón, Jesús Navas, Aymeric Laporte, and Álvaro Morata.

France’s Defensive Resilience

France, under the guidance of coach Didier Deschamps, is aiming for their fourth major tournament final in the last eight years. Despite some struggles in front of goal, the French team has relied on their solid defense and the individual brilliance of players like Kylian Mbappé. The French lineup could feature the likes of Mike Maignan, Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, and Mbappé.

The Road to the Semifinals

Both teams have faced tough challenges on their way to the semifinals. Spain has defeated Croatia, Italy, and Germany, while France has overcome Austria, Belgium, and Portugal. Experts consider Spain the favorites due to their recent form and attacking prowess, but France’s defensive solidity and winning mentality from previous competitions make them a formidable opponent.

Strengths and weaknesses

Spain:

Spain’s main strengths are their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They have scored the most goals, taken the most shots, and recovered the most balls in the tournament so far. Spain’s wingers like Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal can isolate defenders in one-on-one situations to create chances. However, they lost key players like Pedri, Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand to suspension and injury against Germany, which could be a concern. Playing 38 year old Jesús Navas at right-back against the pace of Kylian Mbappé and Theo Hernández may also expose a weakness.

France:

France’s main strength is their defensive solidity, having kept four clean sheets in five games. They rely on their solid defense and the individual brilliance of players like Kylian Mbappé. However, France has struggled to score from open play, with their three goals so far coming from two own goals and a Mbappé penalty. Adrien Rabiot acknowledged that Spain “probably have their weaknesses too”, suggesting France may have found ways to exploit Spain’s vulnerabilities.

Despite their defensive struggles, Spain’s attacking prowess and recent form make them the favorites. However, France’s experience in big games and Mbappé’s individual quality make them a formidable opponent. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two European powerhouses.

The Final Awaits

As the match approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter between two European football powerhouses. The winner of this semifinal will face either England or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday in Berlin.