Spain and France are set to clash in Munich on Tuesday in the first semifinal of UEFA Euro 2024. Both European powerhouses are just one game away from securing a place in the final in Berlin. Spain has maintained a perfect winning record so far, requiring extra time to defeat hosts Germany. France, on the other hand, boasts the strongest defense in the tournament, conceding only one goal and defeating Portugal on penalties. This showdown is touted as a battle between possibly the two strongest teams of the Euros, vying for a spot against England or the Netherlands, who play on Wednesday.
Spain earned their semifinal spot with a 2-1 victory over Germany, thanks to goals from Dani Olmo and Mikel Merino, overcoming Florian Wirtz’s equalizer. Under coach Luis de la Fuente, La Roja has won all five of their Euro 2024 matches, making them the only team to maintain a perfect record. No team in Euro history has won six games in a single edition. Spain’s style now focuses less on possession, reflecting their impressive win rate of 15 out of 19 games under De la Fuente. Historically, Spain has won four out of five Euro semis, but they were eliminated by Italy via penalties at this stage in 2020. A fifth continental final is within their reach.
France is aiming for their fourth Euro final and the second one outside their homeland. Coach Didier Deschamps led them to the 2016 final, where they lost to Portugal, a defeat he is eager to avenge after already eliminating the Portuguese. Although not as dominant as Spain, Les Bleus have shown strong form since the World Cup 2022 final, demonstrating resilience by overcoming Belgium and Portugal. Striker Kylian Mbappe has not been in peak form, scoring only once, but France did beat Spain in the 2021 Nations League final and look to replicate that success.
How to watch and odds:
Date: Tuesday, July 9 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany
TV: Fox | Live stream: Fubo (try for free)
Odds: Spain +175; Draw +180; France +200
How they got here:
Spain topped Group B with a perfect record, defeating Georgia in the round of 16 and Germany in the quarterfinals. Should they defeat France, they will face either England or the Netherlands in the final. France, after finishing second in Group D, edged past Belgium in the round of 16 and required a penalty shootout to beat Portugal in the quarterfinals.
Team news:
Spain will be missing Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand due to suspensions, and Pedri is out with an injury. Despite initial concerns, captain Alvaro Morata is eligible to play, with possible replacements being Nacho, Jesus Navas, and Dani Olmo.
Possible Spain XI: Simon; Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Cucurella; Olmo, Rodri, Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams.
For France, Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension, but Mbappe’s form and fitness remain concerns for Deschamps. Mike Maignan is expected to continue his strong performance in goal, with Rabiot replacing Eduardo Camavinga. There’s debate about Antoine Griezmann’s status due to his form and fitness.
Possible France XI: Maignan; Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez; Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot; Griezmann; Kolo Muani, Mbappe.
Prediction:
Anticipate a tense and tightly contested match with few opportunities for free-flowing soccer. The outcome will likely hinge on a critical moment, and France’s robust defense might give them the edge to reach the final. Prediction: Spain 0, France 1 (France win after extra time).