Former champions Spain and France are set for a thrilling showdown in Munich in the first semi-final. While France is concerned about Kylian Mbappe's scoring form, Spain will be missing three key players for the high-stakes clash on Wednesday.
New Delhi: Spain will lock horns against France in Munich in the first semi-final of Euro 2024 on Wednesday (July 10) as sparks are set to fly in this epic clash between European heavyweights, Spain, the tournament’s joint-leading goal-scorers, face off against Kylian Mbappe’s France, a team with immense talent but struggling for decisiveness upfront. With their captain struggling to score goals after a broken nose, France are yet to score a goal by one of their players in open play, but their defensive discipline has helped the team to reach the semis of another major competition.
Spain have been at their absolute best with young wingers like Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams giving their best on the pitch. The La Roja have scored 11 goals from five matches, winning all of them while France have managed just three in five matches. Spain is on the verge of breaking the Euro record for most victories in a single campaign, while France has only managed draws against Poland, the Netherlands, and Austria in Germany so far.
Kylian Mbappe’s scoring form has been a major concern and the Real Madrid star was taken off in the second half of extra-time in their quarter-final clash against Portugal. However, coach Didier Deschamps is confident that Mbappe will fire for the Les Blues at the right time.
“It’s not just linked to the last match, but everything he had to deal with before, with a back problem at the end of the league season, the trauma he had (to his nose). He could have been forced out of the tournament. He’s had to get over all of this, get used to the new conditions but I know he will do everything to be as effective as possible,” the coach said.
“It’s something new for him and the fact of wearing a mask leads to having modified vision. Breaking his nose was a big shock, he needed time to digest it, but with each passing day the bruising has gone down,” Deschamps said.
Luis de la Fuente’s squad will be missing three key players for the semi-final. Pedri is sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the quarterfinal against Germany, and defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand are also out. Veteran Jesus Navas is expected to take on the crucial task of marking Kylian Mbappe.
In contrast, France has no injury concerns. Marcus Thuram, who suffered a thigh injury in the quarterfinal against Portugal, returned to training on Sunday and is expected to play.
When and where will Spain vs France Euro 2024 semifinal take place?
The Euro 2024 semifinal match between Spain vs France will be played on Wednesday (July 10) at 12:30 AM IST in Allianz Arena in Munich.
Where and how to watch the live telecast of Spain vs France Euro 2024 semifinal in India?
This match will be telecasted in India on Sony Sports Network.
Where and how to livestream Spain vs France Euro 2024 semifinal in India?
You can live stream the match on the SonyLIV App.
