UEFA Euro 2024 Semi Finals Preview & Betting Tips
Spain vs France
Munich, Wednesday 10th July, 5:00am AEST
Mikel Merino’s goal in the 119th minute saw Spain claim victory in one of the greatest matches in the history of the European Championships. Florian Wirtz equalised for the hosts in the 89th minute, however Spain held their nerve in a frantic match that ebbed and flowed across 120 minutes. Merino’s winner ensured Spain avoided a dreaded penalty shoot-out, given they’ve been knocked out on penalties in their last three major tournaments.
France booked their ticket to the Semi Final courtesy of a penalty shootout after the scores were tied at 0-0 after 120 minutes. France scored five from five in a clinical performance that was a testament to a side that has reached the Semi Finals in four of their last five major tournaments. The major concern for France coming into this clash is the form of Kylian Mbappe who failed to score once again, and was subbed out before the end of extra time. France have scored just three goals at Euro 2024, comfortably the fewest of the teams that have reached the Semi Finals.
Spain on the other hand have had no such issues in their front third, scoring 11 goals - equal most in the tournament. Spain’s red hot midfield will be the catalyst in this clash, having recorded 57.2% possession across the tournament, ranked 4th. Spain also rank 4th for passing accuracy at 90.2%, not giving their opponents the opportunity to win the ball off them.
France are hoping their stars find a way to show up on Wednesday and produce some magic, however this Spanish side have produced consistent excellence across the park right throughout the tournament. Five consecutive wins built on a brilliant midfield system that has given them excellent control to dictate terms in each game. Of course France have the quality to win this game if they can take their chances, however Spain have been too strong at this tournament to pick against.
Netherlands vs England
Dortmund, Thursday 11th July, 5:00am AEST
Another far from convincing performance, however football could still be coming home after an excellent penalty shootout performance saw England to victory against a gallant Switzerland. Just like in the Round of 16 England were on the brink of elimination when Breel Embolo gave the Swiss the lead in the 75th minute, however a brilliant goal from outside the box by Bukayo Saka kept England alive. After decades of struggling in penalty shootouts, England have won three out of four penalty shootouts under Gareth Southgate, scoring five out of five against Switzerland.
Netherlands required a late turnaround to get past the far less fancied Turkey, with a Stefan de Vrij goal in the 70th minute followed by a Turkish own goal six minutes later saw the Dutch 2-1 winners after conceding first. Netherlands have also been far from convincing at Euro 2024, with three wins, one draw and a loss heading into the Semi Final.
The differing component of these two sides is where their strengths and weaknesses have been throughout the tournament. The Dutch have scored 9 goals at Euro 2024, however have conceded 5 goals which is the most of any of the Semi Finalists. England have scored only 5 goals, however have conceded just 3 goals in 5 games.
This game will be a tight encounter and if it goes past 90 minutes, England will fancy their chances to win this game. Since the 2018 World Cup, England have played in six games at major tournaments decided in extra time or penalties. Gareth Southgate’s side are 4-2 in those games including 2-0 at this tournament. England have won three of their last four games against the Netherlands and will find a way to get the job done once again.
