Dusseldorf: Three weeks down and with one week to go, Euro 2024 has reached the semi-final stage and is getting ready for two heavyweight ties as France take on Spain and England meet the Netherlands. France and Spain go head-to-head in Munich in the first last-four clash tomorrow, which brings together the best team at the competition so far and the best European nation at each of the last two World Cups. Spain are through to a second consecutive European Championship semi-final after dramatically knocking out hosts Germany on Friday, when Mikel Merino’s late header gave them a 2-1 win in extra time in Stuttgart.
Luis de la Fuente’s team, on an upward curve since winning the UEFA Nations League last year, have been the most impressive side at the Euros, but are now bracing themselves for a showdown with Kylian Mbappe and the French. Spain are also handicapped by the absences of two of their back four due to suspension, with right-back Dani Carvajal and central defender Robin Le Normand ruled out of the game. Spain must also do without midfield creator Pedri after he came off injured against Germany, although Dani Olmo deserves to start after emerging from the bench to score one goal and make another in the quarter-final.
France have the upper hand in competitive meetings with Spain, the team they beat in the 2021 Nations League final and in the 1984 Euros final. Les Bleus also beat Spain in the Euro 2000 quarter-finals and in the last 16 of the 2006 World Cup, although S.
