The stakes continue to rise at Euro 2024 as Spain and France face each other for a place in the tournament’s final. While Spain have caught the eye as an attacking force, France have played the sort of conservative game traditionally favoured by Didier Deschamps over many years. Tuesday’s semi-final in Munich promises to be a compelling one.
Contrast in styles could make this semi-final the most interesting
Spain and France have both made it through five matches to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, but the manner of their progression to this point could hardly be more different. Indeed, while Spain have a 100% record and have flourished as a front-foot, attacking outfit, France have played conservative Deschamps-ball at every opportunity.
This contrast in styles promises to make Tuesday’s match in Munich the more interesting of the two semi-finals. Much will hinge on the first goal. If France find a way to grab it, they will sit deep and ask Spain to break them down. If Spain get it, France will be forced to play a more proactive game.
Pedri’s injury not much comfort to France thanks to Dani Olmo’s form
Pedri lasted just eight minutes of Spain’s quarter-final win over Germany with the Barcelona playmaker now ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024 following a rough challenge by Toni Kroos. In a formidable show of squad depth, though, Luis de la Fuente introduced Dani Olmo off the bench to score the opening goal.
That opening goal demonstrated Olmo’s worth to Spain with the timing of his late run giving Lamine Yamal an option with the cut back. The RB Leipzig midfielder is the perfect fit for a Spain team that is more interested in attacking space than keeping possession, as has been the case in previous tournaments. Olmo could do some serious damage to France just as he did to Germany.
Will France’s solid defence hold firm against the tournament’s best attack?
For all that Deschamps has faced criticism for his conservative style of play, his approach has made France the best defensive team at Euro 2024. Les Bleus may not have scored a goal from open play in five matches at the tournament, but they haven’t conceded one either – the one goal they conceded against Poland was from the spot.
How, though, will France cope against the pace, movement and skill of Nico Williams and Yamal? Will the midfield trio of N’Golo Kanté, Adrien Rabiot and Aurélien Tchouaméni be equipped to disrupt Spain’s rhythm in the centre of the pitch? Will they be able to stop Rodri dictating things at the base?
Kylian Mbappé must finally find a way to make a greater impact
As arguably the best player in the world right now, Kylian Mbappé has endured an underwhelming Euro 2024 to date. The Real Madrid forward found the back of the net in the group game against Poland, but that was from the penalty spot. Otherwise, Mbappé has struggled to influence matches for France this summer.
This must change if France are to have any chance of making it past Spain. Mbappé must exploit the space behind Jesús Navas who is expected to start at right back for Spain following the red card shown to Dani Carvajal in the quarter-final against Germany. He can’t wait any longer to make his mark on the tournament.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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