Spain and France are two real heavyweights in the first European Championship semi-final. Coach Luis de la Fuente is aware of the strength of the French, but has a precise plan for his team
“This is a fantastic opportunity. We’ve done very well so far. This game, like against Germany, could be like a final, both teams are incredible. Little things will decide the game,” said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente on Monday at the press conference ahead of the semi-final against France
After the performances shown so far, the Spaniards are perhaps slightly favored. However, the French have incredible quality and have been very solid defensively so far. “We’re playing against an incredible opponent. They’re a team with great potential. They have world-class players,” said the Iberian coach, who added: “France are one of the most physical teams in the tournament, but we know how we have to play against them. “
The respect for the opponent is great. As Spain midfielder Rodri makes clear: “We’re not afraid. We’re here to win the tournament. We know what we have to do against opponents like this – and we will do it. “
Trio missing – high praise for Mbappé
The Spaniards don’t have to change much from the previous rounds, because the Iberians have played great soccer so far. “We’re a team you enjoy watching, but in the end it’s all about winning – even more so at this stage, of course. We want to play beautiful, but also efficient soccer,” says de la Fuente.
What the coach also knows, of course, is that Kylian Mbappé has to be eliminated. It hasn’t really been the superstar’s European Championship so far, as he broke his nose in the first game and has only scored one penalty so far. “Players like him are unpredictable. Kylian Mbappé at 50 percent is like many other players at 100 percent. Players like him can decide a game at any moment. He’s brilliant, a world-class player,” enthused the Spanish coach.
A player like Mbappé has to be eliminated as a team. Dani Carvajal (yellow-red suspension) and Robin Le Normand (yellow suspension) will not be able to help. Pedri, for whom the European Championship is over after a duel with Toni Kroos, will also be absent. All three were in the starting eleven against Germany and are likely to be replaced by Jesus Navas, Nacho and Dani Olmo, who was player of the match with a goal and assist against the DFB team.
