The Euro 2024 semi-finals are here and first up we have Spain versus France. Both sides made difficult work of reaching this stage of the tournament. Spain scored a last gasp winner in extra time with a fabulous Mikel Merino header in the 119th minute to progress over the host nation of Germany. France could not beat Portugal within 90 minutes and were forced to a goalless draw after two hours of football. Penalties ensued and France held their nerve to progress.
Throughout the tournament, out of these two nations, one has looked particularly strong whilst the other has looked a shell of their former selves.
I’m backing Spain to qualify at 1.80 and here is my reasoning below.
Stylish Spain
Spain have looked class this tournament and if it wasn’t for Germany’s late equaliser, they would’ve won all their games so far. They are the tournament’s top scorers and have only conceded two goals. Spain go into this game off the back of a massive win against Germany which will fill them with confidence. Spanish fans will be acting as the 12th man with performances worth shouting about. I think 1.80 for Spain to reach the final is brilliant value against a France side who look like they can’t score at the moment.
Flawed France
France put up another dull performance against Portugal in the quarter finals failing to score from open play again. They have only scored three times in five games with two own goals and a penalty being how they found the back of the net. As poor as they have been in front of goal, comparatively they have been very solid at the back conceding just one goal. This French side have adjusted to their underwhelming performances as they have reached the latter stages of the Euros. However, I think that France have ridden their luck and Spain will exploit their uninspired performances.
