Spain vs. France: UEFA Euro 2024 Semifinal Clash at Allianz Arena
Historic football Nations Spain and France are set to battle in the first UEFA Euro 2024 semifinal at Munich’s Allianz Arena on Tuesday. Spain, who secured their semifinal spot last Friday, outlasting tournament hosts Germany in an extra-time thriller in Stuttgart. France, on the other hand, overcame Portugal in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw over 120 minutes.
Team News
Spain:
After overturning a 1-0 deficit to defeat resilient Georgia in the Euro Round of 16, Group B winners Spain fielded an unchanged side to take on Germany, with Nacho Fernandez and Ayoze Perez both fit for the bench after returning from respective knocks. But head coach Luis de La Fuente finds his options more limited for this semifinal.
Spain also faces defensive concerns. Both Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are suspended. Carvajal’s red card against Germany and Le Normand’s yellow-card accumulation force changes at the back. Nacho Fernandez, who replaced Le Normand in the previous game, is likely to start, while veteran Jesus Navas may take Carvajal’s spot at right-back. Alejandro Grimaldo, though primarily a left-back, could also be considered.
Fortunately for Spain, Alvaro Morata initially thought to be suspended, is cleared to play after UEFA confirmed he wasn’t booked for celebrating Mikel Merino’s goal against Germany. Morata will lead the attack alongside Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.
Spain Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
Unai Simón (GK) — Navas, Nacho, Laporte, Balde — Rodri, Merino, Olmo — Williams, Morata, Yamal.
France:
Kylian Mbappe might have come off late against Portugal last weekend after suffering from fatigue following his short spell out with a broken nose, but the Former PSG superstar will spearhead Les Bleus’ attack in Munich and look to notch a 2nd goal at the European Championship.
Ousmane Dembele’s impactful substitute appearance against Portugal could earn him a starting role. Meanwhile, Adrien Rabiot, available for the game after his card suspension, is likely to return to the midfield, replacing Eduardo Camavinga. The solid defensive partnership between William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano will continue, providing stability at the back.
France Starting Lineup (4-3-1-2):
Maignan (GK) — Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Hernandez — Kante, Tchouameni, Rabiot — Griezmann — Dembele, Mbappe.
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