France, still searching for a standout match at Euro 2024, faces a formidable challenge in the semi-final against Spain and their formidable offensive arsenal on Tuesday in Munich.
The contrast is stark between La Roja’s formidable efficiency (11 goals in 5 matches) and the French defense. So far, Spain has been the only team to produce spectacular play in a tournament lacking excitement and seems well-equipped to seriously challenge the vice-world champions, who are the favorites but have shown lackluster performance.
With its two dynamic young wingers, Lamine Yamal (16) and Nico Williams (21), and a midfield led by Rodri, a key player for Manchester City, Spain, which defeated host Germany in the round of 16 (2-1 a.e.t.), has the means to overcome a disappointing French team.
“It’s not to put stress or pressure on them, but they’re the team that has handled it the best, leaving the best impression on almost everyone,” said Didier Deschamps on Monday.
The French coach knows what he’s talking about as his team has done the opposite of their upcoming opponents, failing to score any goals from open play. If he hopes to reach a 4th final in the last five major tournaments, a remarkable achievement, he must hope for a resurgence from his two technical leaders, Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, who are in poor physical condition.
The captain is a shadow of himself in this Euro, still recovering from a nose fracture and a preparation hampered by physical issues (back, knee). But the prospect of facing his future country before joining Real Madrid might inspire him.
“We’ve done everything for him to recover; I’m convinced he’s been giving his all from the start. It could have ended for him. He has to adapt to the new conditions (the mask, ed.). He’ll do everything to be at his best,” said Deschamps.
– “France is more than Mbappé” – Despite Mbappé’s performances being unworthy of his immense talent and his precarious athletic condition, the former Parisian still inspires fear, and the Spanish coach is wary of him.
“Such players are unpredictable; you never know when they might reappear. Even at 50%, he’s probably better than most others at 100%. He can afford not to be in the game and still decide it in two moves. He’s a genius, a ‘supercrack’,” said Luis De la Fuente.
For Rodri, the French superstar remains “the most dangerous player.” “But France is not just about him. They defend very well and are very dangerous on counter-attacks,” he noted.
While waiting to see if Mbappé will recover, it’s the French defense that will likely be at the forefront and severely tested by the Spanish attackers. The immovable quartet of Jules Koundé-Dayot Upamecano-William Saliba-Theo Hernandez and goalkeeper Mike Maignan, impeccable so far with only one goal conceded on penalty, will need courage to withstand the Spanish onslaught.
However, the French showed in the quarter-final against Portugal (0-0 a.e.t. 5-3 on penalties) that they possess, in addition to their tightly shut defense, a mental strength that can make up for their offensive shortcomings.
“The Spaniards have their strengths, maybe their weaknesses too. In any case, we are confident,” assured Adrien Rabiot, not at all impressed by La Roja’s brilliant run in the Euro.
