The greatest team in the competition thus far and the top European nation in each of the previous two World Cups will face off in Munich on Tuesday in the first round of the playoffs.
With a thrilling 2-1 victory over Germany in extra time on Friday thanks to a late header from Mikel Merino, Spain advanced to their second straight European Championship semifinal.
After winning the UEFA Nations League the previous year, Luis de la Fuente’s team has been the most impressive side at the Euros. However, they are now preparing for a matchup with Kylian Mbappe and the French.
Spain squad
Due to suspension, right-back Dani Carvajal and central defender Robin Le Normand will miss the match, severely hurting Spain’s chances of winning.
When questioned about stopping newly signed Real Madrid player Kylian Mbappe, defender Marc Cucurella responded on Sunday, saying, “I think football is a collective sport, and it’s true that if it was one-on-one it would be tricky, but it’s up to us in the end.”
Pedri, Spain’s midfield maestro, was forced off the pitch against Germany due to injury; however, Dani Olmo, who came off the bench to score one goal and assist on another in the quarterfinal, could start.
When it comes to competitive matches, France has the advantage over Spain, the team they defeated in both the 1984 European Championship final and the 2021 Nations League final.
Although Spain prevailed in their final encounter of the competition in 2012, Les Bleus also defeated Spain in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2000 and in the 2006 World Cup.
Despite the form struggles of their two most important players, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann, France has advanced to its fourth semi-final in five major events.
Despite not being totally healthy due to a broken nose, Mbappe is the only French player with a goal in five games.
Their other two goals came from guys on the other side. That was a penalty against Poland.
Portugal was defeated on penalties by Didier Deschamps’ squad, the 2018 World Cup winners and 2022 runners-up, after their quarterfinal match in Hamburg ended in a 0-0 draw at the end of extra time.
The French players remain unconcerned despite criticism directed at the quality of their performances.
Midfielder Youssouf Fofana stated on Sunday, “Personally, I really don’t care because at the end of the day, we are in the semi-finals.”
England battles through
Following their respective victories in their last eight games on Saturday, England and the Netherlands will play each other in the second semi-final on Wednesday in Dortmund.
England, the runners-up in Euro 2020, fell behind Switzerland in Gareth Southgate’s 100th game in command, but they rallied to draw 1-1 and eventually win on penalties.
Despite losing all four of their previous 90-minute games against Slovakia, Denmark, Slovenia, and the Swiss—none of which are ranked higher than 19th in the world—they have advanced to the semi-finals.
In response to criticism of his team’s performances, Southgate said, “You have to show other qualities to win in tournaments and these players are showing unbelievable qualities of character, resilience — it is not just about playing well.”
The Netherlands, who placed third in their group, easily defeated Romania in the round of sixteen and then rallied from behind to upset Turkey 2-1 on Saturday in Berlin.
Before Mert Muldur’s own goal won the match, defender Stefan de Vrij scored their equalizer.
The Dutch, who took home the trophy from the 1988 European Championship held in Germany, are making their way into their first semifinal since 2004.
Coach Ronald Koeman stated, “I think it’s something special for the whole nation. We’re a small nation and we’re in the semi-finals with England, France, and Spain, and we’re really proud.”
The teams have split their previous encounters in the Euros, with the Dutch emerging victorious 3-1 in the 2019 Nations League semifinals.
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