09/07/2024 – UEFA European Championship – Quarter-Final – Match 1
Venue: Allianz Arena
Kick-off: 8 pm
Where to watch? Live on BBC One – and stream via the BBC Sports website.
UEFA Euro 2024: Is France vs Spain on TV? kick-off, team news, predictions & where to watch
Spain and France Clash in Euro 2024 Semi-Finals
In a much-anticipated showdown, continental heavyweights Spain and France will face off in the Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday. Spain arrives in Munich with a perfect record, having eliminated Germany in the previous round, while France secured their spot with a nerve-wracking penalty shootout win over Portugal.
Match Preview
The first quarter-final of Euro 2024 delivered on its promise, as Spain triumphed 2-1 over Germany in Stuttgart. Dani Olmo, replacing the injured Pedri, opened the scoring for La Roja before Florian Wirtz equalised for Germany. With the match heading towards a penalty shootout, Mikel Merino’s powerful header in extra time secured Spain’s place in the semi-finals.
Under Luis de la Fuente, Spain remains the only team with a flawless record, boasting five consecutive wins. They are now on the brink of making history, as no team has ever won six matches in a single European Championship. De la Fuente’s tactical adjustments, emphasising quick passing and pace on the flanks, have been pivotal. Since the start of 2023, Spain has the best win percentage in Europe, winning 15 of their 19 matches.
Spain has a strong semi-final track record, progressing in four out of five appearances, though they lost to Italy on penalties three years ago. They are now aiming for their fifth continental final and their first since their 2012 triumph.
On the other side, France is targeting their fourth European Championship final, and their first away from home soil since 2016. Didier Deschamps, who led France to that final, is determined to go one step further this time. Despite a less convincing path to the semi-finals, France has shown resilience. After finishing second in their group, they had a lacklustre win over Belgium before edging past Portugal on penalties.
Concerns linger over Kylian Mbappe’s form and fitness, as he was subbed off before the shootout against Portugal. Despite their struggles, France remains a formidable opponent. They have only scored four goals in their five matches, relying on penalties and own goals, yet their defensive solidity has been key.
Team News
Spain will make at least three changes to their starting XI. Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are suspended, while Pedri is out with a knee injury. Veteran defenders Nacho and Jesus Navas are expected to step in, and Dani Olmo should replace Pedri in midfield. Rodri, who has been instrumental in Spain’s midfield, will look to continue his impressive form alongside captain Alvaro Morata and the young sensation Lamine Yamal.
France, with no disciplinary issues, still has concerns over Mbappe’s nose injury. Mbappe has struggled to find the net at Euro 2024, scoring just once from 20 shots. In contrast, goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been outstanding, boasting a 94% save ratio. Marcus Thuram and Ferland Mendy are expected to be fit, and Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension, though it’s uncertain if he will replace Eduardo Camavinga in midfield. N’Golo Kante, France’s midfield talisman, remains unbeaten in European Championship matches.
As Spain and France prepare to clash, both teams will be looking to secure their place in the final and continue their pursuit of continental glory.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
SPA – Simon: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz: Yamal, Morata, Williams
FRA– Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe
PREDICTIONS
In the sixth meeting between Spain and France at a major tournament, it is surely the turn of an inspired La Roja side to taste success again. Excluding penalty shoot-outs, Les Bleus have lost just one of their last 16 European Championship matches, in addition to conceding only one goal in their last seven internationals – but they may meet their match on Tuesday. Spanish speed and flair might initially be stunted by a stubborn blue wall, but they will ultimately find a way through Europe’s toughest defence and claim a deserved place in the final. Spain 1-0 France (after extra time) – (Sportsmole)
Spain have shown impressive form in the tournament, but this France team have been successful in major tournaments and I think at least extra time will be needed. Spain 1-1 France (France to win on penalties) – (The Independent)
Spain have looked the most superior team at the Euros but were increasingly ragged and tired as their quarter-final wore on. De la Fuente’s squad is not the deepest and suspensions could take their toll in this game. France, on the other hand, are generally defending very well with their attack being completely lacklustre and Deschamps has little idea about how to spark it into life. If Les Bleus can sit deep, frustrate Spain and attack on the counter then their gameplan could just pay off to upset a popular young Spanish team which lacks their opponents’ experience in these games. France to win on penalties. – (Standard)
