JAKARTA Two European, Spanish and French giants will tackle each other in the 2024-2025 UEFA Nations League semifinals which will be held on Thursday night 6 June 2025 or Friday morning WIB, at MHPArena, Stuttgart. This match is a repeat of the 2021-2022 Nations League final, where France came out as champions after a dramatic 2-1 win.
Now, the situation is different. Spain came with the status of defending champions and champions of Euro 2024, while France is eyeing their first trophy since the last Nations League title. Who will advance to the final match on June 8 to face the winner between Germany vs Portugal?
Spain performed outstanding throughout the tournament. Luis de la Fuente's side won Group A4 with 16 points, and qualified for the semifinals after eliminating the Netherlands on a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals. The two legs ended 2-2 in normal time, and the penalty was finally won by La Roja 5-4.
Spain's unbeaten record has reached 20 matches in all (15 wins, 5 draws) since the defeat to Scotland in March 2023. However, they had serious problems in defense. In the last four matches in the Nations League, their goal has always conceded at least two goals. This is a big challenge against France's front lines filled with dangerous names such as Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele.
Rodri, who won the Ballon d'Or, has not been able to strengthen the team because he is still recovering with Manchester City. Ferran Torres is also absent after surgery from the dead end. However, good news came with Gavi's return to the squad after being absent since 2023 due to a knee injury, as well as the opportunity for Isco's appearance to shine again with Real Betis.
France Wants To Revenge
France came to the semifinals with the status of winning group A2, ahead of the goal difference from Italy. They showed the mentality of the champion when reversing Croatia's 2-0 deficit in the quarter-finals. Goals from Michael Olise and Dembele forced the match into a penalty shootout, and saving Mike Maignan gave France a 5-4 win.
Despite having a star-studded squad, Les Bleus has not won a trophy since the 2021 Nations League. They failed in the 2022 World Cup final and were eliminated in the semifinals of Euro 2024. Didier Deschamps, who will withdraw after the 2026 World Cup, certainly wants to close his career with a sweet title.
However, Deschamps had to rack his brain. Seven of his players have just competed in the Champions League finals, including Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue. In addition, the back line is crippled by the absence of Upamecano, Saliba, and Kounde due to injury. Pavard, Konate, and Lucas Hernandez will most likely be the first choice.
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On the front lines, all eyes are on Kylian Mbappe. The captain of the French national team only needed two more goals to score his 50th goal at the international level. In addition, Lyon's Rayan Cherki has the opportunity to make his senior debut after appearing impressive throughout the season.
Interesting Facts Ahead Of The Match:
Spain has never lost in the last 20 matches in all competitions.
France won 3 times and lost 2 times in the last five meetings against Spain.
Four of the last five matches between the two teams only ended in one goal difference.
France last won over Spain in the 2021 Nations League final with a score of 2-1.
Kylian Mbappe has scored 48 goals for the national team and is eyeing the 50th milestone.
The battle between the Spanish collective power and the explosive pace of France will be the main dish in Stuttgart. Will La Roja defend the title, or will Les Bleus finally taste the sweetness of the trophy after a long time?
Line-up Predictions
Spain (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Robin Le Normand, Marc Cucurella; Martin Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Nico Williams; Mikel Oyarzabal
France (4-3-3):Mike Maignan; Benjamin Pavard, Ibrahima Konate, Lucas Hernandez, Lucas Digne; Aurelien Tchouameni, Manu Kone, Adrien Rabiot; Michael Olise, Randal Kolo Muani, Kylian Mbappe
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