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Spain 🇪🇸 vs France 🇫🇷 England 🏴 vs Netherlands 🇳🇱
So, you’ve made it to the semi finals of Euro 2024, and we have you covered with the latest news, stats and analysis... 🎉⚽📊📈
Erik Jansson
July 09, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
Spain 🇪🇸 vs France 🇫🇷 England 🏴 vs Netherlands 🇳🇱
So, you’ve made it to the semi finals of Euro 2024, and we have you covered with the latest news, stats and analysis… 🎉⚽📊📈
Hey there MVP,
This week, Euro 2024 comes to an end with Sunday's final in the Olympiastadion in Berlin. But before then, there’s a couple of tasty semi finals to get through. It’s Spain and France on Tuesday night, followed by England and the Netherlands on Wednesday.
Interestingly, Spain are the only semi finalist who made it through without needing penalties. Although they left it very late to KO host nation Germany in the 199th minute of extra time in the quarters. They take on the sleeping giant France, who, although they are in the semi finals, have been largely underwhelming in this tournament. Although the French create chances, we’re not seeing the free-flowing attacking play and goals that we’ve seen from them in previous tournaments. We preview this massive matchup and give our predicted lineups.
We’ve also got some of the big upcoming games in the Copa America which is heating up, as well as some crazy transfer news from around the world of football. !Arriba¡
Today's game plan:
Spain vs France | Tuesday | 20:00 BST
At this stage of the tournament all of the games are GOAT-approved match-ups, but this semi final sees close neighbours Spain and France go head to head. Given what we’ve seen so far in Euro 2024, this game is an intriguing one. France still haven’t really got going yet and are struggling to score from open play, whilst Spain look smooth and controlled and have multiple scorers across their squad.
In fact, Spain are the only semi-finalist who made it through their quarter final match without the need for penalties. Let’s not forget the Spaniards beat the host nation too…
Form & Team News
🇪🇸 Spain are coming into this semi final well-rested after their dramatic extra-time victory over Germany last Thursday. Again, Spain scored more than 1 goal from open play in this match and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente will be confident that his squad can score against France, a team who have been solid defensively.
Spain have showcased a combination of tactical finesse, control, and attacking potential so far in this tournament, and have emerged as many punters’ favourites to win Euro 2024. They’ve won 5 in a row, but no side has ever won six in a row at the Euros.
Many point to the fact that Spain have arguably played the better opponents too. In the group stage, Spain kicked off their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Croatia. That result was followed by a tight 1-0 win against an organised Italy, where old hand Alvaro Morata scored the winning goal. In the round of 16 Spain continued their strong form with a 2-1 win over a dangerous Georgia side with the goals in this match coming from Ferran Torres and Pablo Sarabia. Then in the quarter final against the host nation, Spain took the lead and were on course for a tidy 1-nil win, until Wirtz scored in the 89th minute. The 119th minute winner from Mikel Merino was some kind of footballing justice for Spain who were the better team throughout.
This is a Spain side that utilises players like Rodri to enforce a possession-based game on their opponents, but has also shown they can adjust and adapt to their opponents in-game. Their ability to switch playing styles, the abundance of attacking threat, and the goal contributions from all over the pitch have been pivotal in Spain’s success so far.
Spain have an injury concern and a few suspensions to deal with, which could potentially affect their tactical setup. Right back Dani Carvajal and centre back Robin Le Normand are out due to suspension for red and yellow cards. It’s likely that veteran Sevilla legend Jesus Navas will slot in at right back whilst Nacho Fernandez is expected to come in at centre back.
The injury blow for Spain is the knee injury that Barcelelona midfielder Pedri picked up in the win over Germany. He’s been ruled out for the rest of the tournament, which deprives Spain of one of their most creative and influential midfield players.
GR Spain predicted lineup | Unai Simon, Jesus Navas, Nacho Fernandez, Aymeric Laporte, Marc Cucurella, Rodri, Dani Olmo, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, Alvaro Morata, Nico Williams
🇫🇷 So, France made it through their quarter final encounter with Portugal on penalties. Not for the want of trying though —France created numerous chances and took 20 shots over the course of 120 minutes. Although France didn’t concede, Portugal had plenty of chances of their own and probably should have scored at least one of them. As you’ll see in this week’s shocker, Ronaldo didn’t have his best game…but of course Roberto Martinez didn’t dare take him off. France looked solid when it came to penalties, scoring 5 out of 5.
Looking back over France’s earlier performances in the tournament, it’s clear that this team isn’t really firing. A big problem has been the lack of spark and more importantly, goals, from Kylian Mbappe. He’s scored 1 goal so far, a penalty in the 1-nil win over Austria. Maybe the ninja turtle will get back to his best against Spain, the country he will play his club football in next year.
France’s other group games against the Netherlands and Poland ended in 0-0 draws meaning that, surprisingly, France qualified second in Group D behind Austria. This set up a round of 16 tie against Belgium. The game was cagey, and Belgium executed a solid game plan but France got lucky in the end —it was a Jan Vertonghen OG that got France through to the quarters. The quarter final against Portugal highlighted that typical French confidence. Even when not playing well, this French team can draw on their extensive tournament experience and defensive strength to grind out results against big teams.
France are looking good on the injury and suspensions front. Marcus Thuram is a concern due to the hamstring strain he picked up in extra time against Portugal, but he is likely to recover in time for Tuesday’s game. Ferland Mendy's availability is still up in the air but he is less likely to feature. France have no suspensions to key players and welcome back Adrian Rabiot to the midfield after he missed the quarter final.
GR France predicted lineup | Mike Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Theo Hernandez, N'Golo Kanté, Tchouamenie, Adrian Rabiot, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembele
This Week’s Shocker…
Cristiano Ronaldo’s stats at this Euro’s have raised some eyebrows. In Portugal’s run to the quarter finals Cris played 486 minutes, and in that time he covered 49.60km, registered 23 official attempts,1 assist, and 0 goals. Ronny’s on the wane.
At 39 and set to turn 40 in February, Ronaldo’s days at the top are numbered. Maybe the tears and emotion we saw in a few of Portugal’s games was Ronaldo’s own acknowledgement that Euro 2024 might have been his last ever major international tournament for his country.
Around the world…
Liverpool are set to break their academy wage structure in their attempts to bring Chelsea wonderkid Rio Ngumoha. The 15 year old forward player was playing with the under 18s but turned down Chelsea’s new contract offer. One to watch.
Al-ittihad, who finished 5th in the Roshn Saudi League this past season, are in serious contention to sign Kepa. Kepa was on loan at Real Madrid last season but looks likely to head to Saudi. The 29-year-old remains the most expensive goalkeeper ever, after Chelsea forked £72 million to buy him from Athletic Bilbao back in 2018.
Bayern Munich got a tidy deal done last week as they quietly signed Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. Olise had an immense season for Crystal Palace and had multiple Premier League clubs chasing him, but the German giants have worked efficiently to secure his signature on a 5-year deal, for a reported £50 million.
Multiple clubs around Europe are interested in the Athletic Bilbao winger, including Liverpool and Chelsea. However Barcelona’s President Laporta has claimed Barcelona can secure the services of Williams, who will turn 22 on Friday.
The FAi has apologised to female former professional players in the wake of allegations of “serious historical abuse and manipulative behaviour” dating back to the 1990s.
Games to keep an eye on…
Netherlands vs England | Wednesday | 20:00 BST
A classic matchup as the Netherlands (1x Euros winners in 1988) take on England (Euro 2020 finalists) in the other semi final on Wednesday evening. England struggled against Switzerland in the quarters, eventually going through via penalties. Meanwhile the Dutch got past Turkey with a big comeback win. Might be wishful thinking, but we’re expecting goals in this one.
Argentina vs Canada | Wednesday | 01:00 BST
These two teams already played in the group stage with Argentina coming out victorious. The game ended 2-nil with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. Canada might have learned something from that group stage game though, a good one to watch if you’re still standing after the Spain France game.
Uruguay vs Colombia | Thursday | 01:00 BST
A semi final between two South American countries that produce some top notch players. Think of the strikers that have come from Uruguay or the wingers that have played for Colombia. Uruguay beat Brazil on penalties in the quarters but Colombia always bring it, so this should be a decent watch.
Euro 2024 Final | Sunday | 20:00 BST
We wanna hear your thoughts: Who do you think will make it through to the Euro 2024 final?
Will England make it to consecutive Euros finals or will the Dutch shock Europe? And on Wednesday we’ll find out if France can grind out another win or if Spain will return to the pinnacle of European football?
GOAT Trivia…
Say congrats to…
Virgil van Dijk [@VirgilvDjik]. The Dutchman turned 33 on Monday 8th July.
Always remember to smile 😃❤️
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk)
9:17 AM • Oct 28, 2022
On this day in football…
On July 2nd 1950, England were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stages after a 1-nil loss to Spain. With the fluidity of the current Spain team’s attacking play, England will be hoping not to meet Spain at this year’s Euros.
Goal of the week…
Florian Wirtz’s goal for Germany against Spain was nicely taken but our goal of the week is Ivan Toney’s no-look penalty against Switzerland: Stone cold.
Toney put up some good content in the days after the win over Switzerland too.
Bonus: Euro 2024 top goalscorers
(Accurate at the time of writing: 9th July)
Player | Goals | Rank |
Gakpo | 3 | =1 |
Musiala | 3 | =1 |
Mikautadze | 3 | =1 |
Schranz | 3 | =4 |
R. Marin | 2 | =4 |
Bellingham | 2 | =4 |
Fullkrug | 2 | =4 |
Havertz | 2 | =4 |
Kane | 2 | =4 |
Fabian Ruiz | 2 | =4 |
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