Euro 2024: Spain, France, England, and Netherlands Compete for Final Spots

The Euro 2024 tournament has reached its climax as Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands prepare to vie for spots in the final. Anxiety runs high among these teams as they gear up for their semifinal matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, all with the aim of advancing to the Euro 2024 final scheduled to take place at Olympiastadion Berlin, Germany, on Sunday, July 14.

Spain vs France:

The first semifinal match is set for today, Tuesday, at 8 PM Nigerian time. Spain secured their spot in the last four by eliminating host nation Germany with a 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals. La Roja have been in stellar form throughout the competition.

France reached the semifinal stage after a tense quarterfinal against Portugal, which they won 5-3 on penalties following a goalless draw over 120 minutes.

Speaking with NIGERIA NEWS 247 ahead of the Euro 2024 semifinals, sports analyst Stanley Smart shared his insights:

“Well, I expect a very tough and close encounter between these two European giants. Spain is the only team that has won all their matches in the competition so far. They are obviously the favorite to win due to their performances. But you cannot write off the French team. France have not been convincing with their performances so far, but they have world-class players and individual talents like Mbappe and Dembele who, on a good day, can break any defense. They also have a solid midfield and defense, so I don’t expect many goals in this encounter. I think the team that takes good chances in front of goal by converting them will win the match.”

Netherlands vs England:

The second semifinal match will take place on Wednesday at 8 PM Nigerian time. The Netherlands advanced to the last four after defeating Turkey 2-1 in the quarterfinals. The Dutch team has been impressive, showing resilience and tactical prowess.

England, meanwhile, progressed to the semifinals by overcoming Switzerland. The Three Lions won their quarterfinal tie 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes.

Smart provided his analysis for this match as well: “Prior to the competition, England were tipped by many as the favorites to win Euro 2024. But that has changed as Spain is now widely seen as the number one favorite because of their 100 percent winning record so far. England will face the Netherlands, who a lot of people didn’t expect to reach this stage. I call them the dark horse of this year’s Euros. Their coach [Ronald Koeman] is a well-respected manager who has coached Barcelona before, so I expect them to give England a tough time. Like Spain vs France, this match will be very tough and close. Any lapses or little mistakes from either team could lead to a goal.”

When asked to predict the two teams likely to play in the Euro 2024 final, Smart responded: “This is a tough question. To be honest, at this stage of the competition, all four teams deserve to play in the final. Reaching the semifinals of any major tournament is not easy. At this stage, any little mistake can cost a team. However, based on performances so far, I tip Spain to edge France. As for England and the Netherlands, I see a very close contest. I give the Netherlands a 55 percent winning chance and England 45 percent.”

The excitement is palpable as fans eagerly await to see which two teams will make it to the final and compete for the coveted Euro 2024 trophy.