Quarter Final Performance
Spain’s journey to the semi-final was a dramatic one, highlighted by their nail-biting encounter against Germany. In one of the closest games of the tournament, Spain secured a thrilling 2-1 victory in extra time. The match took a worrying turn early on when they lost one of their key players, Pedri, to an injury in the eighth minute.
However, Dani Olmo, who stepped in as Pedri’s replacement, turned out to be the hero of the day, clinching the winning goal. This victory, especially against the tournament hosts on their home turf, should give this Spanish side the confidence to believe that they could go all the way.
On the other hand, France faced a formidable challenge against Portugal, another strong contender for the title. In a tense match that was only decided by a penalty shootout, the French defence played a crucial role in reducing this Portuguese side to very few chances. Their impressive performance kept the game goalless through regular and extra time.
The match was a nail-biter, with neither team able to break the deadlock during play. The turning point came when Joao Felix missed Portugal's third penalty, allowing Theo Hernandez to seal France's victory with the final kick of the shootout. While many expected France to attack more, they have reached yet another major semi-final and, in many people's eyes, remain the favourites to go all the way.
Match Analysis
Spain has always relied heavily on maintaining possession and breaking down defences through their precise passing and skilful movement. The midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz, and Dani Olmo will be crucial in controlling the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, attackers like Nico Williams and Alvaro Morata will aim to capitalise on the chances created.
Spain's tactics have proven highly effective, allowing them to defeat all the teams they’ve faced, including the defending champions Italy and the hosts Germany. They like to control possession, obviously and this has been the hallmark of their success.
France’s strategy centres on quick counterattacks, utilising the speed and clinical finishing of players like Kylian Mbappe. The midfield, anchored by N'Golo Kante and Aurelien Tchouameni, provides a robust shield for their defence while also contributing to these rapid transitions.
France’s solid defensive record has been a cornerstone of their campaign and will be a crucial advantage in their semi-final clash against Spain. Their ability to absorb pressure and swiftly counterattack could prove decisive in overcoming Spain's possession-based approach.
Players to watch
In a major semi-final, you need your best players to step up. We have highlighted three players we believe could significantly impact this game.
- Dani Olmo: The 26-year-old did not start any of the knockout matches for Spain, but he seized his opportunity when Pedri picked up an injury against the Germans. The Spaniard quickly made an impact, scoring Spain’s first goal and assisting the second in the game's dying moments.
While it might seem premature to hype a player based on one outstanding performance, Dani Olmo deserves praise. The RB Leipzig man has proven he can step up in pivotal moments and will be a player that could cause this French side a few headaches.
- Nico Williams: Another rising star, not just from Spain but in the world of football, is Nico Williams. The winger has showcased both pace and creativity, which have been vital additions to Spain’s attacking threat. His performances in the Euros have attracted significant attention from top clubs across Europe. The only thing that will be on his mind for now is ensuring his nation goes all the way.
- William Saliba: The Arsenal man has been rock solid for his country, bringing his club form to the national team, which has been vital for Les Bleus. William Saliba is a remarkably mature and composed defender, especially when you take his age into consideration. He is one of the main reasons why France has not conceded a direct goal so far in the tournament. As they face their biggest test yet against Spain, France will rely on him more than ever.
Match Prediction
Only one of these teams will be playing in the final in Berlin. As mentioned earlier, France remains undefeated and has not conceded a goal from open play, though they have also yet to score from open play.
While the French side has its vulnerabilities, Spain appears much more stable in comparison. An individual moment of brilliance from a player could tip the scale, but given what is at stake, that seems unlikely. Spain clearly has been playing the better football, but France has been there and bought the T-shirt. This is why we are having the French as slight favourites.