- What: UEFA Euro Semifinal Match
- When: Tuesday, July 9
- Who: Spain vs. France
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Allianz Arena (Munich, Germany)
France aims for another strong defensive performance as they prepare to take on Spain in the UEFA Euro 2024 semifinals at Allianz Arena in Munich.
While France has struggled offensively in the tournament, scoring only three goals in five matches, they have conceded just once.
In the quarterfinals, France defeated Portugal on penalties, while Spain advanced by edging host Germany 2-1 in extra time.
???????????????? Feel the passion!#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/ij7uUuUZfI
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 9, 2024
Spain, which has three Euro titles, is looking to secure its third title in the last five editions of the competition, putting it on par with Germany.
Spain
Spain enters the semifinals riding a seven-game winning streak across all competitions, having lost just once in their last 17 matches (14-2-1).
They aim to secure their 16th win in 20 games under manager Luis de la Fuente and become the first team in tournament history to record six victories.
Notably, Spain was the only team that did not concede a goal during the group stage and allowed just one goal in each of their first two knockout-round games.
???????? 38-year-old Jesús Navas is joined in the defensive line by Nacho, Laporte and Cucurella…#EURO2024 | #ESPFRA pic.twitter.com/QnScu1Z4LT
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 9, 2024
However, Spain will be without midfielder Pedri for the rest of Euro 2024 due to a sprained MCL, and midfielders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are suspended for Tuesday’s match.
Despite these absences, Spain’s offense remains potent.
Midfielders Fabian and Dani Olmo each tallied two goals and two assists, while winger Lamine Yamal led the tournament with three assists.
Striker Alvaro Morata, who scored in the group-stage opener against Croatia, now ranks fourth on Spain’s all-time goals list with 36 goals, just two behind Fernando Torres for third place.
France
After showcasing their resilience and advancing past Belgium in the Round of 16 due to an own goal, France secured its semifinal spot by converting all five of its penalty shots against Portugal.
This marks the second time in the last three Euro tournaments that France has reached the semifinals.
With the score tied at 3-3, forward Bradley Barcola, with sheer determination, gave France the lead, and defender Theo Hernandez sealed the victory.
Winger Ousmane Dembele, midfielder Youssouf Fofana, and defender Jules Kounde also successfully converted their penalties. Notably, France has yet to score from open play in this competition.
Our 1️⃣1️⃣ warriors who will start the semi-final ⚔️
????????????????#ESPFRA | #FiersdetreBleus | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/wyaEkUCTjy
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) July 9, 2024
Two of France’s three goals have been own goals, while the other came from Kylian Mbappe on a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Poland during the group stage.
This was the 48th international goal for the 25-year-old superstar, placing him three goals behind Thierry Henry for second place on the national team’s all-time list.
Striker Olivier Giroud is France’s all-time top scorer with 57 goals in 136 matches, while forward Antoine Griezmann ranks fourth with 44 goals in 134 contests.
The 33-year-old Griezmann led all players with six goals in Euro 2016 and is two goals behind Michel Platini (nine) for the most by a Frenchman in tournament history.
Spain-France Best Bet
I don’t believe that Spain is the favorite in this match. Both teams are coming off extra time with no rest advantage.
Spain’s back line has two crucial suspensions, and it will likely struggle to create high-quality chances against the best defensive team in this tournament.
Additionally, in order to perform at their best, Spain will need to be aggressive when in possession and counter-press effectively.
However, this could leave them vulnerable to France’s quick transitions.
On the other hand, playing passively out of possession, as seen against Germany, may not be the best approach for Spain.
I’d bet France to advance to the final at plus-money odds.
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