France finally scored a goal during the game, and they did it at the best of times. In difficulty offensively since the start of Euro 2024, the Blues were able to count on Randal Kolo Muani to open the scoring against Spain in the semi-finals. The Paris Saint-Germain striker perfectly headed a cross from Kylian Mbappé in the 9th minute of play to give his team the advantage and make all their supporters gasp. The action started with a foul on Kolo Muani, and the ball arrived at the feet of Ousmane Dembélé, who passed to Kylian Mbappé, who then crossed to Kolo Muani.
The moment of truth is here. The semi-finals of Euro 2024 arranged two meetings between the powerhouses of European football, with Spain and France meeting in Munich. Spain, missing key players like Pedri and Dani Carvajal, faced a French team that also had its challenges but featured stars like Kylian Mbappé and Randal Kolo Muani. The last time these teams met in a major tournament was in the 2021 Nations League final, where France won 2-1.
The Blues of Deschamps have been looking for a European Champion title for 24 years, since their victory at Euro 2000. After a difficult group stage and a victory against Belgium in the 8th, France fought hard to overcome Portugal on penalties. This time, they faced the best team in this European Championship. Spain defeated Germany after extra time, thanks to a goal from Merino in the 119th minute.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, Spain's star duo at Euro 2024, have shown their dominance throughout the tournament. Spain defeated Germany in the quarterfinals, with Olmo scoring and Merino sealing the win in extra time. Now they face France, a team with more unknowns than certainties, having advanced to the semi-finals with minimal scoring production. Spain will be without Carvajal and Le Normand due to yellow cards, and Pedri due to injury.
With or without Antoine Griezmann? The vice-captain of the France team was not sure of starting against Spain, especially since Kylian Mbappé was not in his best form. Didier Deschamps set up an attacking trio composed of Mbappé, Randal Kolo Muani, and Ousmane Dembélé. Adrien Rabiot returned to midfield alongside N'Golo Kanté and Aurélien Tchouaméni, with Eduardo Camavinga on the bench. The defense featured Jules Koundé, Dayot Upamecano, William Saliba, and Théo Hernandez, with Mike Maignan in goal.
The French and Spanish teams have a long history in the European Football Cup, having won the title five times between them. The meeting between them in the semi-finals of the 2024 edition in Munich is a significant event. Spain aspires to hold the record for the number of titles, while France can equal the record. Since France won the World Cup in 1998, only 4 World Cup or European Cup final matches out of 13 did not feature one of these teams. Spain has won the Euro twice (2008 and 2012) and the World Cup once (2010), while France has won the World Cup twice (1998 and 2018) and the European Cup 2000.
