Spain vs France Preview, Predictions, and Top Picks: A Clash of Titans in UEFA Nations League
Under the spotlight this Tuesday, it's Spain versus France in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals, going down in Munich. Spain left Germany reeling after a 2-1 quarter-final upset, while France barely escaped Portugal in the quarter-finals with a tense penalty shootout victory. Historically, the Spaniards lost 2-1 to the French in their last encounter in 2021.
Spain's Recent Form
There's no denying that Spain has been on fire at Euro 2024. After an impressive eight-game winning streak from June to November 2023, they suffered a setback with a 1-0 loss to Colombia, followed by a 3-3 draw against Brazil. Following the Euros, Spain bagged wins in two friendlies and made light work of Croatia with a 3-0 victory in their opening group match. Their remarkable 1-0 win over Italy showed they had plenty of firepower, outshooting the Azzurri 20-4. Their domination continued against Albania with a 1-0 win. In the last 16, they trounced Georgia 4-1 with a whopping 35 shots and 3.36 xG. Their last game against Germany saw a late equalizer for the Germans in the 89th minute, but Spain rallied back with a winner in extra time, clinching a thrilling 2-1 win.
Spain's Key Absences
Coach Luis de la Fuente will be without three key starters for this match. Midfielder Pedri is out injured, so Dani Olmo is set to take his place. At right back, Dani Carvajal is suspended, with Jesus Navas stepping up to the plate. Robin Le Normand's suspension means Nacho is likely to partner Aymeric Laporte in defense. Mikel Merino, who scored the winner against Germany, may have to stay on the bench.
Spain's Gameplan
The Spanish team is expected to control the ball in this encounter and play an attacking game, delivering crosses into the box. They're eager to reach the final, and if they manage to score first, their pace on the break could give France serious problems.
France's Recent Form
France has only lost twice in their last 19 games. They drew 0-0 against Canada before the Euros and needed an own goal to defeat Austria 1-0 in their first Euro match. A 0-0 stalemate against the Netherlands followed, as they outplayed the Dutch 15-8. Their final group match ended in a 1-1 draw with Poland, with only a penalty goal scored. Their rout of Belgium in the round of 16 was achieved via another own goal, backed up by a strong 19-5 shot advantage. In the quarter-finals, they needed penalties to overcome Portugal after a goalless draw.
France's Key Players
Adrien Rabiot returns from suspension, ready to anchor the midfield. Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Ousmane Dembele are all on yellow card warning, but they're available for selection. The choice between Griezmann and Marcus Thuram for the front three is an intriguing one for coach Didier Deschamps.
France's Approach
Les Bleus are not an overly exciting team. They prioritize clean sheets above all else, having only scored three goals in the competition, with two coming from own goals and another from a penalty. France would be content with a 1-0 victory and won't take unnecessary risks.
Key Stats
- Spain's Alvaro Morata has scored 7 goals at the Euros, ranking him third in history.
- Spain has lost only one of their last 17 games.
- Spain has netted 24 goals in their last eight matches.
- France has lost only two of their last 19 fixtures.
- France has scored just three goals in their last six matches (two own goals, one penalty).
- France has kept six clean sheets in their last seven matches.
Best Bet: Both teams may struggle to find the back of the net in this tight encounter. A "Both Teams to Score NO" bet at 1.76 could be worth considering.
Alternate Bet: Given Spain's strong form and their determination to reach the final, a bet on Spain to qualify could be an exciting choice at 1.83.
Correct Score Tip: If you fancy Spain to edge out France in an closely contested match, Spain 1-0 France might be a tidy wager at 6.50.
In the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-finals, Spain aims to exploit their pace on the break if they can score first against France, as both teams are expected to play a defensive game. Spain's form has been impressive, with Alvaro Morata scoring 7 goals and the team losing only one of their last 17 games, while France has only lost twice in their last 19 fixtures but has struggled to find the back of the net recently, scoring just three goals in their last six matches. Despite this, a "Both Teams to Score NO" bet at 1.76 could be worth considering, given France's focus on clean sheets. Alternatively, betting on Spain to qualify could be an exciting choice at 1.83, considering Spain's stronger form and the determination to reach the final. If you fancy a Spain win, a correct score tip of Spain 1-0 France might be a tidy wager at 6.50.
