Spooky Express previews Tuesday's Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and France, including team news, possible starting XIs, and prediction.
A high-stakes encounter in Munich determines which team progresses to Sunday's final, where either England or the Netherlands will await.
France claimed a 2-1 victory over Spain in their most recent meeting, the 2021 UEFA Nations League final in Milan. All goals were scored in the second half. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring, but Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe completed France's comeback.
Undefeated so far, La Roja advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals by defeating hosts Germany 2-1 in extra time in the quarter-finals. Dani Olmo's opening goal, followed by Mikel Merino's decisive last-gasp header, showcased Spain's resilience.
Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain has displayed a more dynamic playing style, characterized by quick passing and wide play, which has led to an impressive winning streak.
La Roja is the only team to have won all five matches in this tournament, setting a historic precedent for potential consecutive victories in a single European Championship.
Since 2023, Spain has achieved the highest win percentage among European nations, with 15 victories in 19 games. This success follows their recent UEFA Nations League triumph, indicating a resurgence reminiscent of their dominance in the early 2010s.
Spain boasts a strong record in the European Championship semi-finals, advancing from four out of five attempts. Their last semi-final appearance ended in a penalty shootout loss to Italy in 2021. If successful against France, Spain will compete for their fifth continental title and their first final appearance since their Euro 2012 triumph.
Spain's head coach will be forced to make at least three changes to his starting lineup due to injuries and suspensions. Pedri suffered a knee ligament sprain in the quarter-final success against Germany. Thus, Dani Olmo will likely take Pedri's spot in the middle after a stellar substitute performance.
Elsewhere, veterans Jesus Navas and Nacho are both expected to start in place of suspended pair Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand in Spain's backline.
However, Rodri remains a key player in central midfield, leading in passes attempted and completed among semi-final participants. Up front, captain Alvaro Morata will be supported by Nico Williams and 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal, who has created the most chances for Spain in a major tournament since legendary midfielder Xavi in 2012.
Didier Deschamps' Blues reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout win against Portugal. Despite a less fluid journey compared to their opponents, France has shown resilience. Theo Hernandez's decisive penalty in Hamburg secured their semi-final spot.
France's performance in this tournament has been characterized by low-scoring matches. They have scored only four goals in five games, all from penalties or own goals. Despite this, their defensive solidity has been remarkable, conceding only one goal. France's pragmatic approach contrasts Spain's fluid style, yet they remain formidable opponents.
Les Bleus aims to reach their fourth European Championship final and the first outside French soil since 2000. Their journey has been more complex, involving group-stage draws with Poland and the Netherlands and a narrow win over Belgium in the last 16. Despite these challenges, France's ability to find a way to win under pressure remains a remarkable key strength.
The French boss has no new disciplinary issues, but Kylian Mbappe's nose injury concerns Deschamps and the whole nation. However, concerns persist over captain Kylian Mbappe's form and fitness, highlighted by his substitution before the shootout against Portugal.
Mbappe has struggled with his goal-scoring form at the Euros, managing just one goal from 20 shots.
In contrast, goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been outstanding, with a 94% save rate, the highest since Spain's Iker Casillas in 2012. Marcus Thuram and Ferland Mendy should be fit to feature, and Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension. However, it is still being determined if he will replace Eduardo Camavinga, who performed well against Portugal.
Meanwhile, N'Golo Kante, who has never lost a European Championship match, is a guaranteed starter.
Spain and France, two of the tournament's strongest teams, face off in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final clash. Spain's dynamic play under Luis de la Fuente, featuring quick passes and pace on the wings, contrasts with France's pragmatic and defensively solid approach under Didier Deschamps.
La Roja has a perfect record in this tournament and can rely on their potent attack, led by Alvaro Morata and young star Lamine Yamal. France, despite their struggles in front of goal, has relied on its defensive strength, with Mike Maignan playing a pivotal role.
In their sixth major tournament meeting, Spain's speed and creativity will likely test France's robust defense. While France's recent form has been less convincing, their ability to perform under pressure cannot be underestimated.
Despite the less-than-inspiring attacking performances, France's defensive exploits during the Euros have been nothing short of sensational. Didier Deschamps' tactics are far from joyful to watch, but they work as France aims to win its first continental title since Euro 2000.
Historically, France has been influential in critical matches, though they are experiencing a period of inconsistency. Conversely, Spain has evolved under de la Fuente's leadership, blending tactical flexibility with traditional technical excellence.
As Spain and France prepare to clash, both teams bring contrasting styles and histories to the pitch. Spain's seamless attack and strategic evolution face off against France's defensive resilience and mental fortitude. With a place in the final at stake, this semi-final promises to be a compelling battle between two of Europe's strongest footballing nations.
