Euro 2024 is reaching its climax, with four teams preparing for the semi-finals. Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands are all vying for a spot in the final and a chance to lift the trophy. Each team has their own strengths and weaknesses, and experts from each country have weighed in on their chances.
Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague believes that Spain has shown their adaptability throughout the tournament. They have played in different formations and have been able to adapt to different styles of play. Balague praises Spain’s ability to press high and believes that their pressing game will be a key factor in their semi-final against France. He also mentions the importance of Spain’s performance without the ball, as they are known for their pressing game. Balague predicts that Spain will come out on top against France and meet England in the final.
BBC Sport’s chief football writer Phil McNulty acknowledges that England has not had the most impressive performances so far in Euro 2024. However, he believes that England’s resilience and individual brilliance from players like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka have put them in a position to be contenders. McNulty mentions that England has struggled against teams that defend deep, but the more attacking approach of the Netherlands might work in their favor. He also highlights the potential battle between Harry Kane and Virgil van Dijk as a key component of the match. Despite his sixth sense leaning towards England, McNulty ultimately predicts that Spain will come out on top.
French football journalist Julien Laurens analyzes France’s performance in Euro 2024. He praises their defensive solidity but mentions that they have been lacking in terms of creating chances. Laurens identifies Kylian Mbappe as one of the biggest disappointments of the tournament so far, attributing it to his injury and the mask he has had to wear. However, Laurens believes that France has what it takes to frustrate Spain and win the semi-final. He hopes for a France-England final and predicts that Mbappe will regain his form and be unbeatable.
Dutch football writer Jesper Langbroek discusses the Netherlands’ performance in Euro 2024. He highlights their ability to adapt their tactics and mentions the wake-up calls they have had throughout the tournament. Langbroek believes that the winner will come from the other side of the draw, as England and the Netherlands have not yet been tested against the big countries. He predicts that Spain will come out on top due to their collective and impressive style of play.
In conclusion, the experts have weighed in on the semi-finals of Euro 2024, with Spain, France, England, and the Netherlands all having their chances to win. Each team brings their own strengths and weaknesses, but Spain seems to be the favored team among the experts. However, anything can happen in football, and the semi-finals are sure to be intense and unpredictable.