UEFA Euro 2024: Semi-Finals – Spain vs France

Spain meet France in a blockbuster opening semi-final of UEFA Euro 2024.

Victory would see Spain reach a fifth Final in this competition, whilst France chase a fourth appearance in an Euros Final.

 

Team News

Pedri is ruled out for Spain with a left knee injury suffered in the Quarte-Final win over Germany, with Dani Olmo set to replace him in the starting line-up.

Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are both suspended for this match after the defensive pair received their second bookings against Germany, although Carvajal was eventually sent off in that game.

France have no suspension or injury concerns to report with a full squad available for selection.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Spain take on France at Allianz Arena, Munich, on Tuesday 9 July at 9pm CEST (8pm UK Time) live on BBC1 in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• Spain have won one of four previous meetings against France at European Championship Finals (W1, D1, L2).
• Including Qualifying phase, France have lost just one of six previous encounters against Spain in this competition (W4, D1, L1).
• Both teams have scored in two of their last three meetings at UEFA Euros, except for a 2-0 Spain win en-route to the title in 2012.
• Dani Olmo has scored in each of Spain’s last two matches (W2).
• France are yet to score from open play in this tournament, with two of their three goals having been own-goals by Austria and Belgium respectively.

 

Prediction

Having dominated their first four matches of this tournament, Spain certainly didn’t have it their own way against an aggressive Germany in terms of possession and shots, but they crucially were the more clinical yet Pedri, Carvajal and Le Normand will be huge losses here.

Olmo though was impressive when he replaced Pedri so if he starts here as expected, I do expect him to be a constant threat with his movement, positioning and quality which proved key to the eventual Quarter-Final win.

France meanwhile are a defensively robust team with William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano in defence, yet their attack still hasn’t clicked with a host of wasteful chances against Portugal, which showed with penalties saving them from the exit door.

Didier Deschamps’ Les Bleus though must raise their game and find their clinical edge otherwise I back Spain to get the win here, particularly given their fierce attacking press which should prove the difference unless the French can get it to penalties.

Prediction: Spain 1-0 France

Result: Spain 2-1 France