Euro 2024: Spain's Outsider Status Boosts Confidence For France Clash

By OneArabia

Published: Sunday, July 7, 2024, 19:45 [GST]

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Spain's unexpected role as underdogs in Euro 2024 has been beneficial, according to Marc Cucurella. Ahead of their semi-final against France on Tuesday, Spain aims for their fifth European Championship final. Only Germany has reached more finals, with six appearances. Spain's perfect record through five games continues to boost their confidence.Spain secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Germany in the quarter-finals, thanks to Mikel Merino's late header. Cucurella believes this victory has further strengthened the team's belief. "We started with the confidence of having nothing to lose," said the Chelsea full-back. "Now that confidence has grown, and we are in the key moment of the tournament."De la Fuente's squad will face a struggling France team in Munich for their semi-final clash. France narrowly advanced past Portugal on penalties after a goalless draw in their quarter-final match. Despite their progress, France has only scored four goals in five matches at Euro 2024.France's inability to score from open play is notable, with all 128 non-penalty shots failing to find the net (86 for France, 42 for opponents). Kylian Mbappe's form is also concerning; he has scored just one goal from 20 shots in this tournament, a penalty against Poland.In contrast, Spanish wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have drawn significant attention. French midfielder Youssouf Fofana acknowledged their threat but remains confident. "Nico Williams and Yamal have had a great season," he said. "But I expect them to lose on Tuesday."

Players to Watch

Lamine Yamal has been a standout performer for Spain, creating 14 chances at Euro 2024—the most by any Spaniard at a major tournament since Xavi in Euro 2012. The Barcelona winger also holds the record for most chances created by a teenager at a major tournament since Opta began recording such data.For France, goalkeeper Mike Maignan has been crucial. With a save percentage of 94%, he has matched Iker Casillas' record from Euro 2012. Maignan's performance has been vital for Les Bleus throughout the competition.

Match Prediction

Spain is slightly favoured to reach the final, with Opta supercomputer simulations giving them a 38.1% chance of winning in regular time. France holds a 31.8% chance of victory, while there is a 30% probability of the match going into extra time or penalties.Spain's impressive form under De la Fuente includes winning 15 out of 19 matches since early 2023—a win rate of 79%, the highest among European nations during this period. If Spain wins their sixth consecutive game at this tournament, they will make history and secure a spot in Berlin against either England or the Netherlands.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

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Spain	38.1%
France	31.8%
Draw	30%

The anticipation builds as Spain prepares for another crucial match in their quest for European glory.