EURO 2024 semifinal: Spain vs France: preview, strategy, matchup, location, and start time pits Spain against France, the two most successful national teams of the new millennium.
Spain has excelled in Germany, making it to the semifinals thanks to Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal’s outstanding attacking play.
In contrast, Kylian Mbappe, the one-man offensive force for France and one of the pre-tournament favorites, has helped his team advance thanks to strong defense; in five games, they have allowed just one goal.
With 11 goals scored, Spain is tied for the most goals scored in the tournament with their hosts, Germany, whom they defeated in extra time in the quarterfinal.
Five out of five for La Roja. No team in the history of the Euros has ever won more than five games in a single edition, excluding victories on penalties.
While Alvaro Morata leads Spain as a striker, young players Williams, 21, and Yamal, 16, lead the squad’s offensive attack with their quickness and inventiveness on both wings.
Williams has assisted in a goal and scored one. Yamal is about to become history because he hasn’t found the net. He will break the record for the youngest goal scorer at the Euros by nearly two years if he does score. With three assists, the Barcelona player has contributed the most throughout the competition.
Austere France
France, who had led the FIFA World Cup goal total in Qatar (16), saw their attack falter during this competition while their defense held firm.
Les Bleus scored just three goals, none of which came from open play, to advance to the semifinals. At EURO 2024 semifinal Spain vs France: preview, strategy, matchup, location, and start time only seven teams have scored fewer than France.
They have won two 1-0 and drawn two scoreless games as a result of an opponent’s own goal.
Conversely, Didier Deschamps’ team has kept four clean sheets and only given up one goal, a penalty to Robert Lewandowski of Poland.
Only once in the ten years following the World Cup in 2014 did France lose on penalties in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 to avoid reaching a major tournament final. They advanced to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, winning the former, and finished runners-up at Euro 2016.
Tactical battle
EURO 2024 semifinal: Spain vs France: preview, strategy, matchup, location, and start time Mbappe has only scored once, from the penalty spot, while France has “scored” two more goals through own goals.
After breaking his nose in their first game against Austria, Mbappe has appeared to be a shadow of his former self while sporting a mask.
Mbappe has “already made history… and he wants to make even more history,” according to Deschamps, who defended the forward to TF1 on Sunday.
“Kylian is here, despite his lack of full health.”
Although he produced two assists and scored six goals at Euro 2016, twice as many as the next best player, Antoine Griezmann has not presented much of a threat this season.
Tuesday is a perfect opportunity for France to break this low scoring spree with Spain defence wearing a depleted look.
Carvajal and Le Normand will miss the semi-final through suspensions.
Kante vs Rodri
Spain midfielder Rodri has a claim of being perhaps his side’s most important if unheralded player – a title N’Golo Kante carried for many years for France.
The young wingers Nico Williams and Yamine Lamal are free to roam forward because the Manchester City player maintains composure and control in the middle of the pitch.
Rodri has also made it a habit to contribute important goals, such as the one against Georgia in the round of 16 right before halftime when Spain was trailing 1-0.
Kante’s enthusiasm and dedication have been essential to France’s stellar ten years. He frequently appears on the field to thwart attacks before they start.
European Championship record
Between them, France and Spain have won five Euros. If Spain wins, they would tie Germany and Spain with three titles, while France would look to break the record for the fourth title.
Head-to-head
36 games between Spain vs France:
16 wins for Spain
13 for France
7 draws
Spain vs France kickoff time
On Tuesday, July 9, at 9:00 p.m. local time (1900 GMT), Spain vs. France will begin. On July 10, Wednesday, at 12:30 a.m. IST, it will begin in India.
Spain vs France venue
Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany will host the match between Spain and France.
How to watch Spain vs France?
The Euro 2024 match between France and Spain will be streamed live on the SonyLiv app and shown live on Sony Sports Network.
Read also : 5 Morning Habits That Will Change Your Life