Europe - UEFA Nations League
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by Simon Day in Soccer Picks
The second Nations League semi final of the week is a mouthwatering contest between reigning champions Spin and 2021 winners France. The contest is a repeat of last year's exhilarating Euro 2024 semi, which saw Spain come from behind to seal a memorable 2-1 victory, before going on to beat England by the same scoreline in the final.
Both sides needed penalties to get through their quarter final Nations League ties. France battled back from a 2-0 first leg defeat in Croatia to force second leg spot kicks, thanks to goals from Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan then produced two outstanding shootout saves to ensure France booked their place in the last four. Spain had an even more dramatic quarter final, as they drew 5-5 with the Netherlands, before ousting them 5-4 on spot kicks.
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Spain vs France Form
Spain and France Latest Matches
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 18, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 12, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
5/6 (83%)
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 18, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 12, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Jul 14, 2024 - Euro
Jul 9, 2024 - Euro
4/6 (67%)
2/6 (33%)
0/6 (0%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 15, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Sep 8, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Sep 5, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Jun 24, 2024 - Euro
Nov 16, 2023 - Euro
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 17, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 10, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 23, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Sep 9, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Sep 6, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Jul 1, 2024 - Euro
Jun 25, 2024 - Euro
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Mar 20, 2025 - UEFA Nations League
Nov 17, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 14, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Oct 10, 2024 - UEFA Nations League
Jul 9, 2024 - Euro
Jul 5, 2024 - Euro
Spain against France : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
0 %
33 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Jul 9, 2024 - Euro
Oct 10, 2021 - UEFA Nations League
Mar 28, 2017 - International Friendlies
Spain - France: Form Analysis
Thursday's game comes too soon for Ballon d'Or winning midfielder Rodri, who is still not back to 100% fitness following his serious ACL injury. Dani Carvajal and Aymeric Laporte are missing at the back, so Real Madrid bound centre half Dean Huijsen is likely to get a start. Up front, veteran Alvaro Morata will again lead the line, with the exciting trio of Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams behind him.
Spain possible starting lineup: Unai Simón; Mingueza, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Ruíz; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Morata.
Selection dilemma for Deschamps
Seven members of the French squad featured in Saturday's Champions League final, so the big dilemma for coach Didier Deschamps is deciding how many of those players are fit enough to start on Thursday evening. Regardless of that issue, Deschamps will undoubtedly call on in-form Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Randal Kolo Muani to lead his team's attack.
France possible starting lineup: Maignan; Gusto, Konaté, Lucas Hernandez, Digne; Tchouaméni, Koné, Rabiot; Olise, Mbappé, Kolo Muani.
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Spain against France Lineups: Starting 11
Formation : 4 - 3 - 3
Formation : 4 - 2 - 3 - 1
Spain & France Squad Analysis
Spain have now gone 18 games without tasting defeat, a run that has included winning all seven of their games at Euro 2024 and five of their six Nations League group games. Not only are Luis de la Fuente's side winning regularly, but they are also doing it with a lot of style. The likes of Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo are among the most exciting talents on the continent, and given the young average age of the Spanish squad, they could be set to dominate major tournaments for years to come.
France not at their best
Despite the impressive comeback against Croatia, France are currently struggling to reach the heights they are capable of. Star striker Kylian Mbappe has gone virtually an entire year without scoring from open play, whilst the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Marcus Thuram are failing to replicate their club form on the international stage.
Most goals and assists
Spain
France
M. Oyarzabal
(3 Goals)
,
L. Yamal
(3 Goals)
R. Kolo Muani
(4 Goals)
P. Porro
(2 Assists)
,
M. Oyarzabal
(2 Assists)
L. Digne
(3 Assists)
Spain - France Key Points
- Spain are unbeaten in 18 games
- France have failed to win 7 of their last 14 games
- Spain have scored 18 goals in their last 7 games
- France have won just 1 of their last five competitive games against Spain
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Our Spain vs France Prediction
Spain are slight favorites in this one, and we are inclined to agree with that verdict. Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Bryan Ruiz and Nico Willima have all been in incredible form for the European champions, so even though this is a very strong French squad, we think the Spaniards will have too much pace and flair for them. It is also worth noting that whilst Ruiz was the only Spanish star to play in Saturday's Champions League final, seven of the French squad featured in the game, so there could well be a few cases of fatigue in Didier Deschamps' squad.
Our prediction for Spain vs France is: Spain to win.
Spain vs France - Other Interesting Picks
HT/FT Spain/Spain
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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