The Allianz Arena in Munich is all set to host the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final fixture between heavyweights Spain and France.
Spain could make it to the final of a European Championship for the first time since winning it back in 2012, and they are all set to square up against France, who are aiming to make it to their second Euro final away from French soil.
Luis de la Fuente’s Spain have won every match at UEFA Euro 2024 so far. They have been one of the most dominant teams in the competition and are expected to give Les Bleus a tough time on the pitch, having gotten the better of hosts Germany in the quarter-finals.
In a game between two heavyweights, Spain took the lead in the 51st minute before the hosts equalised in the 89th minute to take the game into extra time. In the final minutes of the second half of extra-time, Mikel Merino managed to score and knock Germany out. Given how they have performed so far, a lot will be expected from La Roja in this semi-final against France.
Meanwhile, Didier Deschamps’s team have not been able to hit top gear yet. However, they have managed to get this far in the tournament despite not finding the back of the net from open play. Only Kylian Mbappe has a goal to his name, which, too, was a penalty.
France squared up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the quarter-finals. They once again created a truckload of chances throughout but still couldn’t find the back of the net. However, they did eventually manage to come out on top via a penalty shootout and find themselves within touching distance of the title.
But, to take down a team like Spain, France will have to do much better in the final third or else they will be heading back home. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams and tries to predict the tactics they could put to use.
Team News & Tactics
Spain
Spain suffered quite a few blows in their game against Germany and will be without three players for this fixture. Pedri has been ruled out of the tournament, Robin Le Normand has been suspended after picking up another yellow, and Dani Carvajal is also unavailable after being sent off at the very end of the round of 16 clash.
Luis de la Fuente will stick to the 4-3-3 formation, where Unai Simon will continue in goal. Jesus Navas is expected to replace Carvajal as the right-back, while Nacho Fernandez will come into the heart of the defence to partner Aymeric Laporte. Marc Cucurella will continue as the left-back.
Rodri will be the defensive midfielder, and he will have the support of Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo, who is expected to replace Pedri after having had an impressive performance against Germany last time out.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will feature on the flanks for Spain as usual. The young duo will provide width to their attacks and will look to create chances for skipper Alvaro Morata, who will lead the line for Spain against France.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams
France
Les Bleus have no suspensions or any fresh injury concerns heading into this final-four fixture. Adrien Rabiot is back in the mix after having missed out on their previous encounter following a suspension.
Didier Deschamps will look to continue with the 4-3-1-2 formation, where Mike Maignan will be in goal. The French shot-stopper has been exceptional so far and is expected to continue in a similar fashion.
Jules Kounde and Theo Hernandez will be the full-backs while Dayot Upcamencano and the highly sought-after William Saliba will be in the heart of the defence. The back four have been in sensational form, and they will look to keep a clean sheet against Spain.
In the centre of the park, Rabiot will make a return to the XI, and he will feature alongside Aurelien Tchouameni and N’Golo Kante. The trio will not only cover their backline but will also look to create opportunities to hit La Roja on the break. Antoine Griezmann will feature in a number 10 role just behind the attacking partnership of Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani.
Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
Key Stats
- Mike Maignan has a save ratio of 94% to this point in Euro 2024, the best for any goalkeeper who has played more than a game.
- Spain have won each of their five matches at the European Championship.
- France are the only team to have taken 50 non-penalty shots at goal without finding the back of the net.
- Les Bleus are looking to make it to their fourth Euro final, their second away from home.
- La Roja have the opportunity to make it to a fifth final, their first since winning Euro 2012.
Player to Watch
Dani Olmo
Olmo came in as a sub after Pedri picked up an injury, and he was an x-factor player for them in the quarter-finals against Germany. His late runs became quite a headache for the opposition.
With Pedri out from the tournament, the Leipzig star is expected to continue in a midfield role and is expected to have a few chances to ensure Spain comes out on the right side of the result. He has four goal contributions at Euro 2024 and will be eager to add to it in the semi-finals.
Prediction
Spain 2-1 France
Given the kind of form Spain have been in, they are expected to create quite a few chances during this fixture and will most likely find the back of the net on multiple occasions. As far as France are concerned, they have not been able to convert the chances they have created and with Mbappe not at his best, Les Bleus might not be able to compete with La Roja who seem to be in full flow. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Luis de la Fuente’s team.
