The first Euro 2024 semi-final awaits as Spain and France prepare to go head-to-head at the Allianz Arena. The two teams are battling for a place in the final, where they will face the victors from Wednesday’s game between the Netherlands and England.
By Matthew Smith
Spain have won every single game of the tournament so far, coming through the group stage with nine points before beating Georgia and Germany in the Round of 16 and quarter-final respectively.
Luis Enrique’s side have been free-flowing in attack, with no team scoring more goals per game (2.2) than the Spaniards. With 21 chances created throughout the tournament, France will need to be at their best defensively to keep them out.
The threat of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal on each wing has caused plenty of problems for the teams Spain have faced so far at the finals. The duo from LaLiga have created a whopping 6.4 chances per 90 minutes between them.
Fabián Ruiz has been a standout for Enrique’s men in the middle of the park, averaging a FotMob match rating of 8.60, the highest we have seen for any player in the competition. With four goals and assists combined, the PSG midfielder should be in the running for UEFA’s official player of the tournament award.
France have found the back of the net just once in the tournament with Kylian Mbappé dispatching a single penalty, with the rest of their strikes coming via own goals. Didier Deschamps’ side haven’t been at their best in attack, but their resolute defence has helped them reach this stage of Euro 2024.
With just 0.2 goals conceded per match, France have been difficult to break down, heavily relying on their defensive structure to see out games. William Saliba has been a key contributor to their success at the back, despite not being a regular for his country ahead of the tournament.
The Arsenal defender has averaged 4.5 clearances per 90 minutes and a 7.13 match rating at Euro 2024, regularly partnering Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano. They will need the defensive duo to be at their best to nullify the threat of Williams and Yamal.
The French have been far from convincing at this year’s tournament, but Deschamps won’t mind how they reach the final. They’ll be desperate to start converting in the final third, though, considering they’ve created 8.1 expected goals, missing 11 big chances.
It’s set to be an exciting match-up in Munich with plenty of attacking talent on show in this semi-final tie.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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