Euro 2024 Semi-Finals: France vs. Spain
The upcoming Euro 2024 semi-final clash between France and Spain in Munich promises to be a historic event, with both teams having a rich history in European football. While Spain aims to secure a record fourth Euro title, France looks to equal Spain and Germany's three-time championship record. France's recent sluggish performance has seen them score only three goals, none from open play, while Spain's defense has been depleted by suspensions and injuries.
Fan Zones and Public Screenings
Despite the lack of enthusiasm initially, several French cities have decided to set up fan zones to broadcast the match. Lyon has gone all out, setting up a fan zone at the Gerland sports center to accommodate 10,000 supporters. Other cities like Paris, Levallois-Perret, Villeneuve-la-Garenne, and Bondy are also setting up giant screens for public viewing. However, some cities like Marseille, Toulouse, and Montpellier have opted out due to security concerns. The match will be broadcasted at various locations, including the Grand Rex in Paris and several stadiums in Île-de-France and Yvelines.
- The match between France and Spain is set to take place on Tuesday at 23:00 UAE time in Munich. Both teams have a storied history in the European Football Cup, having won the title five times between them. Spain aims to become the first team to win the Euro four times, while France looks to match Spain and Germany's record of three titles.
- France's attack has been underwhelming in this tournament, with star player Kylian Mbappe scoring only once from a penalty. France's coach Didier Deschamps has defended Mbappe, emphasizing his historical contributions and potential to make more history. On the other hand, Spain's defense will miss key players like Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand due to suspensions, making it a potentially favorable match for France's struggling offense.
- Spain has a slightly favorable record against France, having won 16 out of 36 encounters. Notable past matches include the Euro 1984 final won by France and the Euro 2012 quarter-final dominated by Spain. The current Spanish squad includes two players, Aymeric Laporte and Robin Le Normand, who could have played for France but chose to represent Spain instead.
- The fan zones set up across various French cities are expected to draw large crowds. For instance, Lyon's Gerland sports center will accommodate 10,000 fans, and Nantes is preparing a fan zone for up to 12,000 people. Security measures will be stringent, with bag checks and street closures around the venues.
