Euro 2024 Semi-final: Three Key Challenges As Spain Faces France In Crucial Match

Euro 2024 – With a combined total of five titles, the upcoming semifinal match between Spain and France on Tuesday in Munich is a significant event, marking a continuation of their successful campaigns and adding another chapter to their storied rivalry.

Spain is on the brink of a historic fourth Euro championship, while France could match the achievements of Spain and Germany with three wins, adding another title to their collection.

The potential for history-making is palpable, adding to the anticipation of the match.

Emerging from the shadows of the Germans and Italians, France and Spain have become the top contenders in major international competitions in recent years, adding an element of excitement to their upcoming clash.

Since France clinched the World Cup in 1998, the only times neither Spain nor France have reached the finals in the World Cup or Euro have been four out of 13.

Spain boasts two Euro titles and a World Cup victory during this period, while France has clinched twice and secured the Euro 2000 title.

France’s absent attack versus Spain’s depleted defence

Leading scorers from the 2022 World Cup, France, have advanced to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals without scoring goals during the open play.

Iconic player Kylian Mbappe scored just once, from a penalty kick, after suffering a broken nose and struggling with a mask during their first match against Austria.

France’s other two goals were scored by their players.

Coach Didier Deschamps stood by Mbappe on Sunday, stating that the forward had “already achieved greatness and aims to achieve even greater feats.

“Kylian is present, though he might not be at full strength.”

In the Euro 2016, Antoine Griezmann netted six goals — more than any other player — and set up two goals but has seldom been a threat to his opponents’ defences in Germany.

However, France might have a chance to advance if they win their match against Spain on Tuesday, as the Spanish team will be short-handed due to suspensions.

Spanish defenders, Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand will not be available for the semifinal.

Beyond the final group stage game against Albania, Carvajal and Le Normand have been a consistent part of the team, starting every match and only allowing one goal against them both on the field.

Jesus Navas, at the age of 38, is expected to step in for Carvajal and will likely face the challenge of keeping up with Mbappe’s speed.

The Pragmatic Against The Positive

The coaching showdown on Tuesday is not just a battle of ideas but also a clear difference in attitude.

France’s Didier Deschamps, among the few to have won the World Cup as a player and a coach, has led the French team to the semifinals of the last three major competitions.

Equipped with a more robust offensive strategy than many other teams in the tournament, Deschamps keeps his team’s attacking prowess intact. Instead, he favours a solid defence by strictly following a structured approach.

He acknowledged this strategy during France’s journey to qualify for the tournament: “I’m practical and realistic, and the players understand that.“

Despite scoring just three goals, France has always remained caught up at Euro 2024.

On the other hand, Luis de la Fuente liberates his team, often encouraging them to play the game, even if it means making errors.

“We can damage our opponents in many different ways,“ he said after their 3-0 opening win over Croatia. Eight different players have scored for Spain.

Midfield Battles

Spanish forward, Rodri, is often seen as the most significant yet underappreciated player on his team, a role that N’Golo Kante famously held for France for a long time.

As a player for Manchester City, Rodri brings stability and composure in the middle of the game, giving young forwards Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams space to make runs.

Rodri has also become known for scoring important goals, including in the second half, with Spain leading 1-0 over Georgia in the last 16.

Kante’s vigour and dedication have been crucial to France’s successful ten-year period, appearing on the field to stop opponents before they even start.

At 33 years old, Rodri’s performance in France’s opening two matches has proven he is still a valuable asset on the international stage, having been absent for two years.