Spain turns the match against France. Deschamps misses out on making history. Twenty-two years age difference on Spain’s right

The first semi-final of the German European Championship has kicked off and coach Didier Deschamps can make an indelible mark on history. France play against Spain, who start on the right side with players with an age difference of twenty-two years. Yamal and Olmo responded to Kolo Muani’s goal.

The last three games of the 17th European Championship remain. The first semi-final is Tuesday’s clash between three-time champions Spain and France. The latter owns two triumphs. The Gallic cockroach country has been heavily criticised for its play so far, yet it has taken the lead.

Munich’s Allianz Arena was expecting a highly tactical encounter. Luis de la Fuente’s charges, who on the other hand are widely praised for their performance in Germany, were not expected to engage in any madness.

As expected, the starting line-ups of both teams did not bring any big surprises. Didier Deschamps fielded Mbappé with a broken nose. The Spaniards were missing the injured Pedri and out-of-sorts defenders Robin Le Normand and Dani Carvajal.

Kolo Muani became France’s first goalscorer of the game

They were replaced by Nacho Fernandez and then Sevilla veteran Jesus Navas on the right side of defence. Twenty-two years younger Lamine Yamal plays in front of the 38-year-old. It is on Barcelona’s jewel that the Spaniards rely most.

The match is crucial for a unique entry in history. If France advances, its coach Didier Deschamps could become the first man ever to win both the World and European Championships as a player (1998, 2000) and coach (2018, 2024?).

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has Slovakian Kružliak as his colleague as fourth official for the match. Kylian Mbappé’s missing mask is a surprise. Youngster Yamal created the first chance in the fifth minute, but Fabian Ruiz headed over the bar.

It didn’t take long for the first accurate goal. In the ninth minute, Mbappé received the ball on the left side and avoided an offside trap thanks to a hesitation by Navas. He then centred beautifully and Kolo Muani scored France’s first goal of the tournament.

Moments later, however, Yamal equalised with a successful shot and then Dani Olmo turned the game around. The rest of the match will determine who will qualify for Sunday’s final, hosted at the monstrous Berlin Stadium. Will French pragmatism or Spanish technique win out?

Source: CT Sport, UEFA.com