Spain secured their spot in the final of Euro 2024 by defeating France 2-1 in a thrilling semi-final match at the Munich Football Arena on Tuesday.
Goalscorers:
- Spain: Lamine Yamal (21’), Dani Olmo (25’)
- France: Kolo Muani (8’)
First Half Analysis
The match started with an immediate burst of action as France took an early lead with Kolo Muani’s goal in the 8th minute. Spain, momentarily stunned, quickly recovered. Just 12 minutes later, Lamine Yamal leveled the score with a spectacular goal. Spain’s momentum continued, and Dani Olmo capitalized on an own goal by Joules Kounde four minutes later to give Spain the lead.
Key Moments 
- Theo Hernandez played aggressively, departing from his usual defensive role.
- Rodri displayed his Manchester City form, controlling possession with consistent passes.
- Lamine Yamal’s goal silenced his critics who doubted his finishing skills.
Second Half Highlights
Spain showcased excellent ball control in the second half. France came out with renewed determination, creating several chances but failing to convert them, largely due to Spanish goalkeeper Simon’s crucial saves. They couldn’t find the equalizer despite France’s aggressive tactics and numerous fouls.
Key Moments
- Reckless France tries to secure the ball from the Spanish side by making many fouls.
- Many Missed opportunities for France in the second half, which may be effective for the game.
- Veterans substituted in for Spanish sides to maintain the defense.
Match Defining Moments
- Missed Conversion: Early in the second half, Mbappe’s skillful run and cross to Dembele ended in a missed opportunity, shocking French fans.
- Aggressive Tactics: France played aggressively, incurring multiple yellow cards, but failed to score.
- Yamal’s Impact: Lamine Yamal’s stunning goal after dribbling past a defender was a turning point, highlighting his talent.
Implications and Future Prospects
- For Spain: Spain needs to maintain their current form and protect key players like Yamal and Nico Williams from injuries. Defensive improvements are crucial for the final.
- For France: This loss ends France’s Euro journey, revealing communication issues and a lack of readiness. They must regroup and focus on teamwork for future competitions.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Spain vs. England/Netherlands: 15th July 2024
- France vs. Italy: 7th September 2024
Conclusion
Spain’s performance, driven by young star Yamal and a solid defensive lineup, secured their victory over a strong yet underwhelming French team. Despite having key players like Kante and Theo Hernandez, France couldn’t break through Spain’s defense after their initial goal. Spain’s possession game and tight defense proved decisive in their path to the finals.
