EURO 2024 Semi-Final Briefing: Spain vs. France

Match Result: Spain (2) – France (1)

Key Themes and Important Facts:

This semi-final clash, a repeat of the 1984 final, was a thrilling encounter marked by early goals, defensive shifts, and the emergence of a prodigious talent. Spain, described as “the best attacking team at the tournament,” ultimately triumphed over France, “the best defensive side,” securing their spot in the Euro 2024 final.

1. A Historic Fixture with a Feverish Atmosphere:

• The match was a significant repeat of the 1984 Euro final, the “first ever meeting competitively between France and Spain,” highlighting the historical rivalry between the two nations.
• The atmosphere in Munich was “febral,” with “smoke hangs heavy in the air,” indicating the intensity and passion surrounding the game.
• The presence of “UEFA’s top brass” and “some of the continent’s top players” further underscored the importance of the occasion.

2. Early French Dominance and Mbappé’s Influence:

• France, playing in all white, started strongly, with Kylian Mbappé a constant threat.
• Goal (France): France took the lead early in the 8th minute through Colan. The commentary noted, “Mbappé’s curling ball and France are in front with Colan. It’s only eight minutes played.”
• Mbappé’s presence clearly unnerved the Spanish defence. The commentary highlighted “the fear that Mbappé puts into defenders when he’s on it how deep he drags Navas into the box there is way way behind the defensive line that he should be.”
• Mbappé played without his mask, which seemed to liberate him: “He looks a different fella obviously looks a different fella he’s got the mask off there’s a freedom and a look about Mbappé.”

3. Lamine Yamal: The Star of the Show:

• The pivotal moment of the match was the equalising goal by Lamine Yamal.
• Goal (Spain): At just 16 years old, Lamine Yamal scored an “unbelievable goal” to draw Spain level. The commentary exclaimed, “oh I say what an unbelievable goal the 16-year-old Laminar that is absolutely astonishing he becomes the youngest player ever to score in a European Championship.”
• Yamal’s goal showcased “the exuberance the confidence the ability wrapped up in one 16-year-old who is very very special.” His strike from distance was described as “just perfect the flight of it the pace that’s the top keeper by the way absolutely no chance.”
• His performance earned high praise: “I have to say Jermaine this is the best 22 and a half minutes of football I’ve seen in this tournament by an enormous distance he just had me off my seat.”
• Yamal’s goal was singled out as a moment that “will be watched and watched and watched for decades to come.”

4. Spain’s Defensive Breach and Comeback:

• Despite France’s early goal, Spain quickly responded and turned the tide.
• Goal (Spain): Spain took the lead, with the commentary noting, “It’s 2-1 it’s gone in off Kundai it might have been going in anyway but Spain are in front what a semiinal we have here in Munich.”
• The speed of Spain’s turnaround was remarkable, as “the defense which could not be breached has perforated twice in four minutes.”
• The game was described as having “everything this game right now it’s an absolute privilege.”

5. Tactical Battles and Defensive Struggles:

• Spain’s transition play caused significant problems for France: “They can’t handle the transition at the minute Spain and Mbappé is just licking his lips on this left hand side is in acres acres of space.”
• France’s usually formidable defence was uncharacteristically vulnerable: “Throughout this tournament almost nobody has been able to make the French defense look remotely uncomfortable.”
• Despite their attacking prowess, France struggled to find the equaliser in the second half, with Mbappé notably missing a key chance: “Mbappé been waiting pretty much all tournament for that and he’s put it over the bar.”

6. Spain’s Victory and Progression to the Final:

• Spain ultimately held on for the win, with the final whistle confirming their place in the Euro 2024 final.
• The commentary encapsulated the outcome: “Spain are into the final of Euro 2024 the best attacking team at the tournament have knocked out the best defensive side at the tournament and they’ve done it with a 16-year-old stealing the show.”
• “Mbappé and the rest are out and Spain will go to Berlin on Sunday for the final