The Allianz Arena played host to one of the most exciting matches of the European Championships thus far on Tuesday night, with Spain emerging victorious over a disappointing French side. Having reached their first major tournament final since the culmination of their ‘golden generation’ in 2012, Luis de la Fuente’s new-look Spain continues to impress in the way they attack with flair and battle adversity. It would appear that they are clearly mature beyond their years, rising to the occasion and knocking off another tournament favourite, having bested the host nation, Germany, in the quarter-finals.
When it comes to Didier Deschamps’ France team, their passive and conservative approach could only get them so far; with the French perhaps ruing the opportunity not to unleash their wealth of talent. Despite boasting significant defensive strength throughout the tournament, it was fitting that 16-year-old Lamine Yamal would be the catalyst to penetrate the French guard and throw the balance of the match in favour of the Spaniards. A disappointing end to an underwhelming campaign culminated in the French team unable to match the attacking invention of de la Fuente’s side, stunned by the manner in which they let their crucial lead slip from their grasp.
This tactical analysis will begin to delve into the key talking points from this action-packed affair, highlighting some of the key moments which allowed Spain to progress to Sunday’s final in Berlin. Our analysis will focus on the tactics of both teams, with an emphasis on de la Fuente’s ability to remain progressive and adventurous in the face of adversity.
Lineups
Spain
GK: Unai Simón, RB: Jesús Navas, RCB: Nacho, LCB: Aymeric Laporte: LB: Marc Cucurella, LCM: Rodri, RCM: Fabián Ruiz, LW: Lamine Yamal, AM: Dani Olmo, RW: Nico Williams, CF: Álvaro Morata
Heading into the semi-final, it was actually Spain who were unable to field their desired XI, thanks to both suspension and injury. Their marathon match with Germany resulted in the suspension of both Robin Le Normand and Dani Caravajal, with Pedri’s tournament abruptly ended, having been the recipient of a Toni Kroos challenge early on.
This left De la Fuente with no option but to deploy Jesus Navas as Spain’s right-back, along with Nacho returning to the lineup, partnering with Aymeric Laporte in central defence. Having produced electric performances from the substitute’s bench thus far, Dani Olmo was entrusted with a starting berth, a decision which paid dividends with his attacking versatility and ability to pull the French defenders out of their comfortable shape.
The rest of Spain’s lineup was all too recognisable for their opposition, having maintained a healthy squad with incredible cohesion and grit. As we have discussed throughout the tournament, Spain’s thrilling young wing partnership continues to terrorise opposing defenders, having an unthinkable influence upon the outcome of these huge encounters.
France
GK: Mike Maignan, RB: Jules Koundé, RCB: Dayot Upamecano, LCB: William Saliba, LB: Theo Hernández, RCM: NGolo Kanté, CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni, LCM: Adrien Rabiot, RW: Ousmane Dembélé, LW: Kylian Mbappé, CF: Randal Kolo Muani
France, on the other hand, had arguably a more favourable position heading into this match, with Adrien Rabiot returning from suspension and rejoining their midfield trio of Tchouaméni and Kanté. The rest of France’s starting eleven remained the same, barring a switch on the right flank, with Antoine Griezmann making way for Ousmane Dembélé. Having injected life into the French attack in their victory over Portugal, it was perhaps the desire to hurt Spain on the counterattack which saw Deschamps opt for the versatile PSG winger over the more creative Griezmann. Dembélé’s raw athleticism and willingness to stretch the Spanish defence appeared as though it would be more beneficial when compared to Griezmann’s talents when it comes to picking up pockets between the lines, predominantly due to Rodri’s ability to extinguish attacks from the base of Spain’s midfield.
Mbappé unmasked
For the first time since France’s opening match with Austria, we saw a maskless Kylian Mbappé, free from the physical restraints his faceguard had provided, and perhaps gave further hope of a more complete and functional France performance. His influence was felt from the very outset, combining nicely with the flying Theo Hernández, who provided excellent supporting runs to keep the Spanish defence guessing. Mbappé’s ability to remain dangerous when holding his width was perfectly highlighted in France’s opening goal- their first from open play in Euro 2024.
France intelligently used their overloads on the right-hand side to relieve pressure on the opposite flank, allowing Mbappé to become isolated against the ageing understudy in Navas after an excellent switch from Dembélé. It was at this point that which Navas was obviously caught in two minds about whether he had the physical capabilities to remain tight to the dynamic forward or afford him more space to work the ball into the box. Despite movement to close down the French winger, it was ultimately too late, and Mbappé’s cross was headed home by Kolo Muani, taking advantage of Spains vertical deficiencies at the back post. Yamal had attempted to support the defensive efforts from his more advanced position, but the crucial movement of Hernández had caused the Barcelona youngster to wait that split second too long before engaging with Mbappé.
In defiance of their early defensive troubles, the Spanish response was equally as important in halting any French momentum on the left flank. After the opening goal, we saw a prime example of Spain’s unity across the pitch, with Rodri often sliding across from the double pivot to screen any lanes inside the pitch which Mbappé could continue to exploit. Nacho coming across to meet Mbappé before he could enter the penalty area allowed Spain to feel much more comfortable in defence, especially when given both Navas and Cucurella the freedom to continue their attacking threat, which would eventually decide the fixture.
