The Blues will not see the Euro final, following their defeat on Tuesday evening against Spain. This marks the end of an adventure and the conclusion of several impressive statistical streaks for French football, which has been accustomed to success at this stage of the competition. The defeat, 2-1 in regulation time, was the first such loss for France in ten years, dating back to their 2014 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Germany.
Spain's victory also halted France's streak of six consecutive semi-final victories in major tournaments, a run that stretched back to Euro 1996. N'Golo Kanté, who returned to the French side after a two-year break, saw his unbeaten record in major tournaments end as well. The midfielder had previously gone 21 matches without a loss in such competitions.
Kylian Mbappé, despite his efforts, failed to score from open play throughout the tournament, a continuation of his struggles in the Euro competition. He has only one goal in nine matches over two Euro campaigns. On a brighter note for France, Randal Kolo Muani joined an exclusive club by scoring in both the semi-finals of the Euro and the World Cup, following in the footsteps of legends like Michel Platini and Zinédine Zidane.
France's offensive struggles were evident, with only four goals in six games, marking their lowest output since Euro 2012. The Spanish team, on the other hand, showcased a clinical edge. Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest scorer in Euro history with a stunning strike, and Dani Olmo's composed finish ensured Spain's place in the final.
Spain will face either the Netherlands or England in the final on July 14 in Berlin. With their current form, the Spaniards will be the favorites regardless of their opponent.
