T. AVINESHWARAN (A 1-1 draw, France to win 5-3 on penalties)
SPAIN have deservedly earned their semis spot and received most of the plaudits for their exciting and entertaining displays. With young guns Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal grabbing the spotlight, Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz have been quietly devastating and could be the key men to unlock France’s solid backline led by William Saliba. The French, however, have shown just how effective organised football can be, earning their place in the last four after scoring just three goals in five games despite boasting a much celebrated strikeforce. Didier Deschamps has the tactics to frustrate the Spaniards and a long night is in store, resulting in a deadlock that could lead to another shootout with Les Bleus pulling through.
DARYL GOH (France to win 2-1)
Talk about a semi-final showdown for the ages! Here’s hoping the hype delivers. It’s the tournament’s top team squaring off against a heavy-eyed squad needing to wake up and dazzle – double quick. Despite suspensions and injuries, Spain have depth in the dugout and Luis de la Fuente the tactical tricks to keep La Roja’s dream alive.
This clash might hinge on fresh Spanish heroes stepping up against a French side, always a dangerous threat, still sorting out their attacking mojo.
Will Mbappe work his magic? The French could finally click into gear and make it all come together.
RIZAL HASHIM (Spain to win 1-0)
ON the strength of their five successive wins and 11 goals to date as they march through to the last four, Spain appear the favourites to show the French the exit.
After all, France 2024 are a far cry from the stylish Les Bleus in the 1990s or the cavalier free-flowing game advocated by Platini and friends in the 1980s, with Didier Deschamps’ brand of boring and stoic play the anti-thesis of French flair, As a purist, I opt for Spanish technique to defeat the French’s solid team spirit.
