The French team, so disappointing in the game but equipped with an iron defense, is tackling an immense challenge in the semi-finals of Euro-2024, Tuesday in Munich where the impressive Spain and its formidable offensive armada awaits them.
This Franco-Spanish duel will give rise to a real opposition of styles. On one side, the Blues who have chained together lackluster performances and have only held on thanks to the solidity of their rearguard, and on the other, a Roja with flamboyant play, who defeated Germany, the host country, in the 8th final (2-1 aet).
In a tournament that was not very exciting in terms of spectacle, Spain was the team that most enchanted the public with 11 goals scored in 5 matches. With its two prodigies on the wings, Lamine Yamal (16 years old) and Nico Williams (21 years old), guided by captain Alvaro Morata, Luis de la Fuente’s team made a very strong impression and can prepare with confidence for the clash against the vice-world champions.
“Playing football, no one can beat us”even dared the sports daily Marca in a column.
“I have 26 high-level players who are competitive for these matches. If one is absent, another will play. This group has exceptional human and footballing qualities. I know they will not disappoint me.”assured De la Fuente, who will have to do without three starters, defenders Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, suspended, and especially midfielder Pedri, victim of a sprained left knee and out of the rest of the Euro.
France presents itself as the antithesis of Spain. Poor in its offensive animation and in cruel lack of creativity, Didier Deschamps’ men have still not scored a single goal in the game and rely essentially on a compact and impermeable block.
“Even if we don’t do everything perfectly, we don’t give up and when we have to make things turn in the right direction, we have this capacity. We have a solidity that is exemplary and essential in a competition. When you score few goals, it is better not to concede any.”believes the coach.
Mbappé returns to Spain before Real
The captain of the Blues Kylian Mbappé in training in Munich, July 8, 2024, before returning to Spain / FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Deschamps is, it is true, faced with the persistent poor form of his two technical leaders Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann. The captain is a shadow of himself in this Euro and is still recovering from the after-effects of his broken nose as well as a preparation spoiled by physical problems (back, knee).
Will this semi-final against his future adopted country inspire the striker before joining Real Madrid? That’s what the boss of the Blues hopes.
“We did everything we could to help him recover, I’m convinced he’s been at full speed since the start. It could have ended for him. He has to digest it, get used to the new conditions. He’ll do everything he can to be at his best.”he said on Monday.
Regarding Griezmann, Adrien Rabiot said to himself: ” surprised “ by its performance in Germany. “I don’t know how to explain it, maybe he’s not as good physically. We expect a lot more from Antoine because he’s capable of doing a lot more.”said the Juventus Turin midfielder, adding however that “the collective is stronger than individuals” in the French team.
This is exactly the leitmotif of Deschamps who will have the opportunity to find himself, in case of success, a 4th time in the final of the last five major tournaments. An exploit which would allow him, once again, to contest the numerous criticisms on the production of his troops.
Spanish players train at the Donaueschingen camp on July 8, 2024, on the eve of their semi-final against France / LLUIS GENE / AFP
But before thinking about fireworks on July 14 in Berlin, the French defense risks being put to the test. It will therefore take a lot of courage from the immovable quartet Jules Koundé-Dayot Upamecano-William Saliba-Theo Hernandez and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, irreproachable until now with only one goal conceded on penalty, to resist the Spanish fury.
But the French demonstrated in the quarter-final against Portugal (0-0 ap 5 pen to 3) that they possess, in addition to their closed rearguard, a mental strength capable of compensating for their offensive shortcomings. The Spaniards, who had suffered the law of Deschamps’ gang in the final of the League of Nations in 2021 (2-1) before lifting the trophy in 2023, will have to be wary of them.
