Euro 2024 – Thoughts on the Semi Finals

Euro 2024 – Semi Finals    
Thursday 11th July 2024    

A pair of semi-finals that looked close on paper to enjoy at the Euros. Here’s my take on them

 

Spain 2 France 1 (Munich)

Spain were weakened by suspensions and injuries, and pre-game Navas v Mbappe looked like a mismatch, which turned even worse after an early booking for the Spanish right back. For France, Rabiot came back in for Camavinga which felt harsh to this observer, and what followed backed up that view. Deschamps has his favourites, but I guess most coaches do. Mbappe not wearing his mask tempted a stray elbow, but then again, it would have been so blatant the perpetrator would surely have seen red. 

 

That France had made three of the last four major tournament finals was to Deschamps’ credit, but the production line of quality players that France seems to produce definitely helps. The thing about the France is that young players get more exposure because the league is not as stuffed with foreign players. So, there is a pathway. Sure, they are picked up in time and end up playing in bigger leagues, but by then they have experience and are established. You can go all the way back to Platini and Zidane to see this pattern, not forgetting Thierry Henry. 

 

In this tournament though, things failed to ignite. Defensively, the French were solid, and it took two very special goals, both demonstrating remarkable individual skill, to defeat them. Going forward over the course of this tournament, they seemed to lack inspiration. Mbappe’s injury was a factor in this, but his team-mates were unable to compensate. Deschamps was not helped by workmanlike midfield of players largely in his own image. Water carriers. Top quality water carriers maybe – Tchouameni and Camavinga play for Real Madrid after all – but these guys are going to provide limited creativity. You feel that possibly, their cycle of consistency is about to end. There were only four changes from the side that started the World Cup Final in 2022, and two of those came on from the bench in the semi-final.  

 

France did take the lead when Mbappe delivered a great cross for Muani, and there was briefly the prospect of them nullifying the game and progressing with a single goal. Fortunately – for the sake of the match, Lamal’s wonder strike levelled things before long and only four minutes later, Olmo’s excellent control allowed him to put Spain ahead. 25 minutes gone, 2-1 to Spain and no more goals.

 

The boos from the Germans in the crowd towards Cucarella for a penalty area handball in their defeat to Spain which was not given were a bit panto, especially as there was zero intent. I was shocked to be informed that there was only one Barcelona player and nobody from Real Madrid in Spain’s lineup. Times sure have changed. 

 

France had to come out and play after the interval and Spain dropped deep to allow them possession. The quality wasn’t there though – it was like watching England in the group stages. And so it ended. Saliba out. Mbappe out. Morata crocked by a security guard who was trying to stop a pitch invader trying to get a selfie. What is it with these idiots? What is it with the selfie? Here’s me with…. so what? I take selfies with my Mrs and once in a blue moon my son, and occasionally I end up in selfies with friends. But there is a context for that. It’s bad enough for famous footballers having to do selfies off the pitch, never mind on it, although apparently Roy Keane gives short shrift to any requestees!

Spain have been the best team in the tournament, won all of their games on the pitch, albeit needing extra time v Germany, and their cohesion is a credit to their coach. Nobody saw them coming, but they are certainly the favourites now. From the last time they won the Euros in 2012, one player survives – Jesus Navas. He did his job in this game, but no doubt Dani Carvajal will return for the final.

 

England 2 Netherlands 1 (Dortmund)

Well, well, well. So, Gareth Southgate was a genius all along then. Start the tournament slowly, dampen all hope and belief and then make wonder subs to win the knockout games. Whatever happens on Sunday, you cannot argue with his achievements as England coach, in terms of being able to get the country to the business end of major tournaments. Two finals, a semi-final and a quarter final in four attempts. Now he just has to cap that by winning a trophy, although the prospect of Spain’s trio of young attackers supporting Morata will be a challenge.

 

Now, the victory over the Netherlands was great, but we need to have a word about Harry. Yes, he scored the penalty. Yes, he is joint top scorer in the tournament. But he is patently not fully fit, his not making the runs into the area to get onto the end of Saka’s work v Switzerland felt telling. He wasn’t much better last night. It’s much like the 2019 Champions League Final when he convinced Mauricio Pochettino to pick him. I’m not saying he single-handedly cost his team the trophy that night, but he sure didn’t help. You get that Ronaldo feeling about him. He’s being picked on reputation.

 

Now before we get into the game, can we have one final word about the German train network? We were informed on the TV that the train to take the Dutch team to Dortmund did not show up, forcing them to take a flight instead. Despite the issues with my motor, it certainly feels like deciding to rely on trains instead to get between the 10 cities in Germany would have created some serious issues. And on the occasions we used trains locally, things were rarely good. Ah well. Talking of TV, Ally McCoist sounded like the only Scotsman that wanted an England win. I guess he’s being paid well.

 

So to the match. Seven minutes in, England go behind again, which almost seems to be a pre-planned tactic now.  For Gooners, it was unfortunate that it was Rice who was dispossessed, and Xavi Simons unleashed a rocket. A cracking goal, but not one any English viewers enjoyed.

 

Parity came when a Saka shot rebounded to Kane who blasted over. It was a pleasant surprise when VAR decreed the ref should take a look at the blocking challenge that left Kane on the floor.  In my view, this was not a penalty but hell, we’ll take it. You often need fortune to progress in knockout tournaments. Kane scored and England then dominated the remainder of the half, playing their best football all tournament. Foden came to life and nearly scored twice. 

Holland were forced to stiffen up their midfield with a sub after Depay was removed injured, and at the start of the second half sent Weghorst on. Southgate meanwhile, put Shaw on for Trippier. The second half was open enough, considering what was at stake, although it wasn’t until Southgate eventually removed Kane, as well as Foden after 80 minutes that the balance tipped England’s way. Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins came on, Palmer setting up Watkins in injury time for a brilliant goal. It was enough and England made their second successive Euros final.

 

Let’s face it, they have made it by not facing a side that is better than them so far in this tournament – through no fault of their own. They won their group, albeit in uninspired fashion, but winning trophies isn’t about playing wonderfully as you progress to the final. On that level, there is the slight hope that Spain may have peaked and England have yet to. Spain are understandably the favourites and they have beaten Croatia, Italy, Germany and France. But football can surprise, and it’s been a long wait for England. Here’s hoping the players have the game of their lives in Berlin.

 

To be notified when there is fresh content on my blog, follow me on Twitter - https://twitter.com/KevinWhitcher01