Spain Triumphs Over France to Reach Euro 2024 Final
In a thrilling match on Tuesday night, Spain secured their place in the Euro 2024 final by defeating France 2-1 in the semi-finals, held at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The victory was celebrated in a manner that could almost be described as typically German, with the Spanish team indulging in canned beer from UEFA sponsor Bitburger. The Spanish coach was seen transporting a whole pallet of the beverage to the team bus, marking a jubilant end to the night for the Furia Roja.
French Disappointment and Viewership Records
On the other side, the French team, led by Didier Deschamps, faced a bitter disappointment. French superstar Kylian Mbappé acknowledged Spain's superiority, calling it a 'deserved defeat.' To cope with the loss, the French team turned to comfort food, with a coach seen carrying five pizza boxes to the team bus. Despite the setback on the field, the match drew massive viewership in France. TF1, the broadcaster of the match, reported a staggering 16.12 million viewers, making it the best audience of 2024 so far. This figure, however, was lower than the 19.3 million viewers who tuned in for the France-Germany semi-final in Euro 2016.
A Mixed Bag for French Football Fans
The viewership numbers, while impressive, indicate a decline in interest compared to previous years. The 2024 edition of the European Championship has struggled to captivate a segment of the French audience, particularly those who usually tune in only for major tournaments. This waning interest could be attributed to the ongoing political events in France, which have dominated the news and captured public attention. Nevertheless, the match between Spain and France remains a significant highlight of the tournament, showcasing the drama and excitement that football fans around the world eagerly anticipate.