MUNICH: The Germans and Italians may have been the giants of Europe for much of the 20th century, but the recent decades have belonged to France and Spain.
Since France won the World Cup in 1998, one of the two teams have featured in all but four of 13 World Cup or Euros finals.
And that makes today face-off in the Euro 2024 semi-final in Munich today very special. With five Euros titles between them, the two nations will be hoping to extend their respective bids for another triumph.
Since 1998, Spain have two Euros titles and a World Cup, while France have become world champions twice and won Euro 2000.
Spain could win a record-breaking fourth Euros crown in Germany while France would join Spain and Germany on three titles should they go all the way.
Here, we look at key battles which will decide who makes it to the final in Berlin on July 14:
Pragmatic versus positive
Didier Deschamps and Luis de la Fuente’s coaching duel shapes up not only as a clash of philosophy but a marked contrast in tone.
France’s Deschamps, one of only three men to have won the World Cup as both player and manager, has taken Les Bleus to the finals of three of the past four major tournaments.
Blessed with more offensive depth than perhaps any other team at the tournament, Deschamps does not allow his attacking riches to run free, instead preferring defensive stability through a rigid adherence to structure and form.
The coach admitted as much in France’s qualification campaign, saying: “I am pragmatic and realistic and the players are aware of that too.” Despite scoring just three goals, France have not trailed at any point at Euro 2024.
By contrast, De la Fuente lets his team off the leash, often saying he encourages the side to play football, even if they make mistakes.
“We can damage our opponents in many different ways,” he said after their 3-0 opening win over Croatia.Eight different players have scored for Spain. — AFP
France’s absent attack versus Spain’s depleted defence
Top scorers with 16 goals at the 2022 World Cup, France have reached the Euro 2024 semi-finals without scoring themselves from open play.
Superstar Kylian Mbappe has found the net just once, from the penalty spot, struggling with a mask after breaking his nose in their opening game against Austria. France’s two other goals have been own goals.
France coach Didier Deschamps has defended Mbappe, telling TF1 the forward had “already made history... and he wants to make even more history”.
“Kylian is here, even if he is not 100%.”
At Euro 2016, Antoine Griezmann scored six goals – twice as many as the next best player – and laid on two assists but has rarely threatened opposition defences in Germany.
If France are to break through however, Tuesday’s match may be the perfect opportunity against a depleted Spanish defence.
Spanish stalwart Dani Carvajal and centre-back Robin le Normand will miss the semi-final through suspensions.
Other than the final group stage match against Albania, the duo have started every match at the tournament and Spain have only conceded once with them both on the pitch. Jesus Navas, 38, will likely replace Carvajal and can expect plenty of attention from the lightning-fast Mbappe.
Kante versus Rodri in midfield
Spain midfielder Rodri has a claim of being perhaps his side’s most important if unheralded player - a title N’Golo Kante carried for many years for France.
The Manchester City star provides control and calm in the middle of the pitch, allowing young wingers Yamine Lamal and Nico Williams to roam forward.
Rodri has also developed a habit of chipping in with crucial goals, including just before half-time with Spain 1-0 down against Georgia in the last 16.
Kante’s energy and commitment has been a key part of France’s excellent decade, popping up across the field to shut down attacks, often before they begin.
The 33-year-old’s man-of-the-match awards in France’s opening two games showed he again belongs on the international stage after a two-year absence.
