Spain vs. France | Nations League | Semi-Finals | Pre Match
Spain vs. France
On Thursday night, the MHPArena in Stuttgart will serve as the stage for a titanic clash between reigning UEFA Nations League champions Spain and perennial contenders France in the semi-finals of the 2024-25 tournament. This high-stakes encounter, a rematch of the gripping 2021-22 Nations League final, carries immense weight for both sides as they vie for a place in the showpiece event on June 8, where they will face either Germany or Portugal. The losers, meanwhile, will be consigned to the third-place playoff on the same day, a consolation prize neither team desires. For Spain, the opportunity to become the first nation to retain the Nations League title since its inception in 2018 adds an extra layer of motivation, while France, under the stewardship of their long-serving coach Didier Deschamps, are determined to reclaim the trophy they won in 2021 and add to their illustrious history. Both teams come into this match with formidable credentials, boasting world-class talent, tactical sophistication, and recent success in high-pressure situations, making this semi-final a mouthwatering prospect for football fans worldwide. The outcome of this match will hinge on fine margins, with both sides showcasing a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise, all set against the backdrop of a rivalry that has produced thrilling encounters in recent years.
Spain’s journey to this semi-final has been nothing short of dominant, as they topped League A Group 4 with an impressive 16 points from a possible 18, securing five wins and one draw across their six fixtures. Their quarter-final clash against the Netherlands was a rollercoaster of drama, with both legs ending in 2-2 draws after regulation time. In the second leg, extra time saw Barcelona’s prodigious talent Lamine Yamal strike to give Spain the lead, only for Xavi Simons to equalize for the Dutch, forcing a penalty shootout. Spain’s composure from the spot proved decisive, as they edged out the Netherlands 5-4 to advance. This victory is emblematic of Spain’s resilience under coach Luis de la Fuente, who has transformed La Roja into a formidable force since taking charge. Currently ranked second in the world by FIFA, trailing only Argentina, Spain are riding a remarkable 20-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, with 15 wins and five draws since their last defeat, a 2-0 loss to Scotland in Euro 2023 qualifying. Their attacking prowess has been a hallmark of this run, with La Roja scoring at least two goals in 16 of those matches. However, their defensive record in the Nations League raises concerns, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches, conceding at least twice in each of their most recent three—a run not seen since 1980-81, when they conceded two or more goals in six consecutive games. Despite this vulnerability, Spain’s blend of youthful dynamism and experienced leadership makes them a formidable opponent, particularly as they aim to make history by defending their Nations League crown.
France, meanwhile, have had a more turbulent path to the semi-finals but have shown their trademark resilience to reach this stage. After a disappointing 2022-23 Nations League campaign, where they finished third in their group with just five points from six matches, Les Bleus bounced back in the 2024-25 season, topping League A Group 2 with 13 points, edging out Italy on goal difference. Their quarter-final tie against Croatia was a testament to their fighting spirit, as they overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit in Paris. Goals from Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele leveled the aggregate score, and the match proceeded to a penalty shootout, where goalkeeper Mike Maignan emerged as the hero by saving a crucial spot kick, allowing Dayot Upamecano to seal a 5-4 victory. Ranked third in the world by FIFA, France have consistently fallen just short of glory in recent major tournaments, losing the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina and exiting in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against Spain. This Nations League campaign represents an opportunity for Deschamps’ side to end their trophy drought and build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after which Deschamps is set to step down after an illustrious 13-year tenure. With a win rate of 63.47% across his 167 matches in charge, Deschamps has proven his ability to deliver results, but facing a Spain side with a recent edge in their head-to-head encounters—having won 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-finals—presents a formidable challenge. The history between these two sides suggests a closely contested affair, with four of their last five meetings decided by a single goal.
Spain’s squad is brimming with talent, but they face challenges with key absences. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, the linchpin of their midfield, remains sidelined as he regains fitness at Manchester City ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, while Barcelona’s Ferran Torres is out following appendicitis surgery. Despite these setbacks, Spain boast enviable depth, particularly in midfield, where the return of Barcelona’s Gavi from a cruciate ligament injury sustained in 2023 adds dynamism. Gavi will compete with club teammate Pedri, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and PSG’s Champions League winner Fabian Ruiz for a starting spot, creating a selection headache for De la Fuente. Another intriguing prospect is Real Betis’ Isco, who is in contention for his first international appearance since 2019, bringing creativity and experience to the fold. In defense, 18-year-old Pau Cubarsi is pushing for a recall after missing the previous international break due to injury, potentially at the expense of Real Madrid’s new signing Dean Huijsen. Up front, Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, and Nico Williams are likely to support Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal, forming a fluid and dangerous attacking unit. Spain’s ability to blend youth and experience, coupled with their attacking firepower, makes them favorites, but their defensive frailty could be a chink in their armor that France will look to exploit.
France, too, are grappling with injury concerns but possess a squad capable of matching Spain’s quality. The absence of key defenders Upamecano, William Saliba, and Jules Kounde has forced Deschamps to reshuffle his backline, with Benjamin Pavard and Malo Gusto vying for the right-back spot, while Lucas Hernandez, Clement Lenglet, and uncapped Loic Bade are in contention to partner Ibrahima Konate in central defense. The presence of seven players who featured in the recent Champions League final, including Man of the Match Desire Doue and Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembele, underscores France’s depth and quality. Captain Kylian Mbappe, just two goals shy of his 50th international strike, will lead the line, his pace and finishing posing a constant threat. Meanwhile, Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who has enjoyed a stellar 2024-25 campaign, is hoping to earn his first senior cap, adding another dimension to France’s attack. Deschamps’ tactical acumen will be crucial, as he looks to outmaneuver De la Fuente in a battle of wits. France’s ability to stage comebacks, as demonstrated against Croatia, highlights their mental fortitude, but their inconsistency against Spain in recent years—alternating between wins and losses—suggests this match could go either way.
As the two sides prepare to lock horns, the stakes could not be higher. For Spain, a victory would bring them one step closer to making Nations League history, while for France, it represents a chance to reclaim their status as champions and provide a fitting finale for Deschamps’ tenure. The tactical battle between De la Fuente’s possession-based, high-pressing style and Deschamps’ pragmatic, counter-attacking approach promises a fascinating contrast. With both teams boasting an array of attacking talent and vulnerabilities in defense, the match is likely to be a high-scoring affair, potentially decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a critical error. The MHPArena will be electric as these two European giants collide, each driven by a desire to reach the final and etch their name into the annals of Nations League history.
