Spain Faces France in Euro 2024 Semi-Final Without Pedri
Key Players and Penalty Drama Define Quarter-Finals
Spain will face France without one of its driving forces, Pedri, during the semi-final of Euro 2024 this Tuesday at 9 p.m. Pedri was injured in his left knee following contact with Toni Kroos during Spain's quarter-final match against Germany. The FC Barcelona midfielder has been diagnosed with a grade 2 internal lateral sprain of the left knee. Although he will stay with his teammates until the end of Euro 2024, he is not expected to play again.
Toni Kroos, who was playing the last match of his career, apologized on Instagram, saying, 'Sorry and get well soon to Pedri. It was obviously not my intention to hurt you. A speedy recovery and good luck, you are a great player.' Despite Pedri's early exit, Spain managed to secure a victory over Germany after overtime with a score of 2-1.
Meanwhile, France also had a dramatic quarter-final against Portugal. The match ended in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. French players Dembélé, Koundé, Fofana, Barcola, and Hernandez successfully converted their penalties. The crucial moment came when Portuguese player Joao Felix missed his penalty, hitting the post. This miss allowed France to win the shootout 5-3 and advance to the semi-finals.
Didier Deschamps' French team showed remarkable composure under pressure. Hernandez's heavy strike and Maignan's crucial saves against Fernandes and Vitinha kept France in the game. The French team will now face Spain, who defeated Germany earlier, in the semi-final next Tuesday in Munich.
