4 days ago
Spain v France: Nations League Semi-Final Preview
France and Spain meet on Thursday night in Stuttgart with a place in the UEFA Nations League final up for grabs. Both sides are eyeing a second title, which would make them the first team to win the competition twice.
Spain arrive with momentum. Luis de la Fuente's side lifted the trophy in 2023 and followed it up with a Euro 2024 triumph, beating France along the way in a thrilling semi-final. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal lit up that encounter with a stunning long-range strike, and the Barcelona winger is set to start again alongside Nico Williams on the left flank.
De la Fuente is without several regulars, including Rodri and Alejandro Bald. But the core of his squad remains intact. Martin Zubimendi is expected to start in midfield, flanked by Pedri and Gavi. Alvaro Morata will lead the line.
'We want to make history by becoming the first team to win the Nations League twice,' said De la Fuente. 'This tournament is anything but minor. We treat it with the importance it deserves.'
France also needed penalties to reach the last four, edging past Croatia after a 2-2 aggregate draw. But they arrive with significant injury concerns. Jules Kounde, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Eduardo Camavinga are all unavailable, leaving Didier Deschamps with a makeshift defence.
Despite that, France boast serious attacking talent. Kylian Mbappe will start, while Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise are pushing for places in the front three. Youngster Desire Doue is likely to feature from the bench.
'This Spain team are probably the best in the world,' said Deschamps. 'But my players can compete at a high level. We're not going into this match waving the white flag.'
The winners will face either Germany or Portugal in Sunday's final in Munich. Spain won the last meeting between the sides – a 2-1 victory at Euro 2024 – while France came out on top in the 2021 Nations League final.
Predicted line-ups:
Spain : Unai Simon; Mingueza, Cubarsi, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Zubimendi, Gavi; Yamal, Morata, Williams
France : Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Hernandez, Digne; Tchouameni, Kone, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappe, Dembele
BBC Sport prediction : Spain 2-1 France Tags: FrancesemifinalSpainUEFA Nations League
