It’s EURO 2024 semi-final day, with the first four clashes taking place between Spain and France, in Munich.
What can we expect?
Who is playing today?
Unfortunately, we have reached the point in the tournament where, for the first time since the opening game, we only have one game to enjoy today.
But what a game this is, as the Allianz Arena in Munich is the venue for a mouth-watering clash between Spain and France.
Player to watch
With Dani Carvajal suspended after scoring for his team in the closing stages of Spain’s dramatic quarter-final victory over Germany, Luis de la Fuente will have to turn things around at the back.
Apparently, the man who will be tasked with replacing him and dealing with the threat of French captain Kylian Mbappé on the left flank is 38 years old. Jesus Navas.
That’s a task few would envy at the best of times, let alone coming in from the cold (Navas has managed just 99 minutes of action so far this summer), but it should be noted that Sevilla’s perennial veteran has maintained a surprising amount of his pace, despite advanced age.
He will need to draw on all of that and his experience in this one, although that is something he has in abundance. After all, the former Manchester City winger was already a two-time UEFA Cup winner before international team-mate Lamine Yamal was even born.
Mbappé’s difficulties dealing with his mask issues and fatigue have been documented, but he possesses an explosive ability to turn the game around quickly, something he will look to exploit against La Roja’s backup defender.
Unmissable video
Spain national team players recently took part in a shooting tournament, while the stars of the first team rested after their quarter-final victory.
How do they make it look so easy?
Curiosities
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These nations have met five times in major competitions, with France winning three, Spain winning one and the other ending in a draw.
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Spain is the only nation to win all five games at EURO 2024 – no country has ever won six games at a single European Championship.
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Mike Maignan’s 94% save percentage is the highest of any goalkeeper at EURO 2024 (playing more than one game) and the best since Spanish legend Iker Casillas at EURO 2012 (also 94%).
Our prediction
Spain 0-1 France
Recommended reading
France’s ‘ball of the tournament’ or Spain’s ideology – how do you really fare with the Euros?
Five memorable clashes between Spain and France
Dani Olmo is Spain’s antidote to French anti-football at EURO 2024
