In a highly-octane first semi-final clash of the UEFA EURO 2024, Spain will take on France on Wednesday, i.e., July 10, at 12:30 AM at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany.
The unhindered Spaniards are now just one game away from their first appearance in the finals since 2012. They reached the semi-finals three years back before losing to Italy on penalties. Spain sparkled in Germany, reaching the last four owing to the offensive prowess of Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. The side has scored 11 goals, tied for the most in the tournament with hosts Germany, whom it defeated in extra time in the quarterfinals. Notably, La Roja have won five of five games yet. Leaving penalties, no team in Euros history has ever won more than five games in a single edition.
Unfortunately, Spain will be missing three players who began the quarterfinal game. Defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin le Normand have been suspended, whereas Pedri will miss the competition due to a knee injury. Nevertheless, De la Fuente has several good options. Dani Olmo came on as a substitute for FC Barcelona (FCB) midfielder and scored the first goal of the quarter-final. He is most likely to start in Pedri’s absence, though Mikel Merino is another option for the management to consider after scoring the winner in extra time. Moreover, an experienced Jesus Navas is expected to replace Dani Carvajal.
On the other end, Didier Deschamps’ team has only conceded one goal, a penalty against Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, while keeping four clean sheets. France, one of the pre-tournament favourites, has a one-man attacking juggernaut in Kylian Mbappe. France, who led the goals tally at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with 16 goals, has seen their offensive forsaken in this tournament, but their defence has held solid. Les Bleus have advanced to the semi-finals after scoring only three goals, none of which came from open play. Only seven teams in Euro 2024 have scored fewer than France. Their recent results include two 0-0 ties and two 1-0 winners owing to an opposing player’s own goal.
Head-to-Head:
The two sides have played 36 games, with Spain winning 16 and France winning 13. There have been seven draws as well.
Where-to-Watch:
OTT: SonyLIV
