Coach Luis de la Fuente’s team can exploit their strengths and capitalize on France’s weaknesses to secure a spot in the EURO 2024 final.

Lock Down Mbappe

So far, France has scored only three goals in UEFA EURO 2024, two of which were own goals by their opponents. The only other goal was a penalty scored by Kylian Mbappe. This shows that France’s attack has been a major issue for Didier Deschamps’ team. With their star player not in top form due to a nose injury sustained in the opening game, Les Bleus have struggled, as their other attackers have not been particularly effective. If Spain can effectively shut down Kylian Mbappe, it will be a significant advantage for de la Fuente’s squad. Spain can assign their strong defenders to tightly mark the 1998-born star, making it difficult for him to approach goalkeeper Unai Simon’s net.

Exploit Upamecano

While William Saliba has been flourishing in France’s defense, Dayot Upamecano’s position has raised concerns among fans. The Bayern Munich player has made several unsafe plays, notably committing a foul that led to a penalty in their group stage match against Poland. Spain can exploit this weakness to their advantage. With their fast-paced, clever playstyle, the Iberian representatives can force Upamecano into making mistakes.

Utilize the Devastating Wings

Spain’s wingers have been key to their attacking strategy, delivering high-impact performances. The 21-year-old Nico Williams has scored once and provided one assist, while 16-year-old Lamine Yamal has already contributed three assists. Their fast, skillful, and cunning dribbling, followed by accurate crosses or shots, pose a significant threat to opponents. Spain will undoubtedly continue to leverage this strength against France. In the quarterfinals, Germany tried to disrupt Spain’s young stars with aggressive tactics but were punished by Yamal’s decisive assist leading to the opening goal. The young duo of La Roja is expected to shine again in the upcoming match.

By focusing on these three strategies, Spain can maximize their chances of overcoming France and advancing to the final of EURO 2024.