By Seyi Babalola
Spain and France will play in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals on Tuesday, July 9 by 8 pm.
A mouth-watering match between two European football heavyweights awaits in Munich. Spain has dominated the competition thus far, winning all five games.
They are also joint-top in terms of goals scored (11) as well as total attempts (102) and balls recovered (230), displaying their remarkable performance both offensively and defensively.
France has faced criticism for a succession of underwhelming performances, including making it to the last four without scoring a goal in open play.
Despite reaching the final of the previous two World Cups, winning in Russia in 2018 and losing only on penalties to Argentina in Qatar in 2022, France’s Euros record under coach Didier Deschamps has been less remarkable. In his 12 years, their greatest finish was runner-up in 2016 on home soil.
In the quarterfinals, France defeated Portugal on penalties, with Mbappe being replaced following another encounter in which he spent more time tinkering with his mask than attacking the opposing goal.
Mbappe’s form after breaking his nose in France’s opener, as well as the form of striker Antoine Griezmann, remain major concerns ahead of the match against Spain, who eliminated hosts Germany with an extra-time goal.
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Speaking ahead of the match, Luis de la Fuente, Spain coach said: “We can all see the trajectories which have brought these teams here and what those trajectories say.
“But this is an entirely new, different match. [France] are full of players who usually score frequently and we don’t want that to start again tomorrow.”
Also, Didier Deschamps, France coach said: “[Spain] have had the best EURO so far and have left the best impression after every game.
“All Spain teams have always had a good midfield who can control games. Rodri in particular is essential to the Spanish team, but all their players are important.”
The match will be broadcast on GOtv and DStv. On GOtv channel 61, and DStv channels 222 and 225, respectively.
Possible line-ups
Spain: Unai Simón: Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Fabián Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Morata, Williams
Suspended: Carvajal, Le Normand
France: Maignan; Koundé, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernández; Kanté, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappé.