Watch Spain vs France full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 19:00 (GMT) on 9th July 2024
The referee for this match is S. Vinčić
Game played at Fußball Arena München
This is a match in Europe – UEFA Euro, Semi Finals, Season 2024
Spain Edges France 2-1 to Reach UEFA Euro 2024 Final
Spain advanced to the final of the UEFA European Championship 2024 with a 2-1 victory over France, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament and showcasing their resilience and skill. The victory continues Spain’s impressive streak, having won all their matches in this year’s Euros.
Match Highlights
- Early Goals: Despite France’s struggle to score from open play throughout the tournament, they broke their drought just nine minutes into the match. Kylian Mbappé’s cross found Randal Kolo Muani, who clinically converted to give Les Bleus an early lead.
- Spain’s Response: Spain quickly responded with two stunning goals. The youngest player in the tournament, Lamine Yamal, showcased his talent by maneuvering past Adrien Rabiot and curling a spectacular strike off the far post. Four minutes later, Dani Olmo found space in the box and struck a shot that deflected in off Jules Koundé, giving Spain the lead.
- Defensive and Offensive Efforts: Both teams had moments of promise before halftime. Spain continued to press, with Fabián Ruiz and Yamal having their efforts deflected. France had opportunities through Mbappé and a free kick, but the Spanish defense held firm.
Second Half Tactics
- Spanish Pressure: Spain stretched the French defense early in the second half, with Mike Maignan making a crucial intervention outside his box to stop Nico Williams. Despite Didier Deschamps’ attacking triple change around the hour mark, France struggled to find an equalizer.
- Missed Opportunities: France’s Théo Hernández and Ousmane Dembélé failed to capitalize on Spanish defensive errors. Mbappé missed a late chance, and Antoine Griezmann headed over in the dying moments, allowing Spain to see out the victory.
Key Takeaways
- Lamine Yamal’s Brilliance: The young Spanish talent was instrumental in the victory, scoring a crucial goal and posing a constant threat to the French defense.
- Spain’s Historic Run: Spain remains the only team with a perfect record in this year’s Euros and has now won their last eight matches. They will head to Berlin with confidence, having triumphed in three of their four previous Euro finals.
- France’s Struggles: Despite a strong start, France’s inability to maintain their lead and capitalize on their chances ultimately led to their first competitive defeat since the World Cup final.
Next Steps
Spain will now prepare for the final in Berlin, aiming to secure their fourth European Championship title. Their opponent will be determined in the upcoming semi-final match.