In the semi-finals of a major tournament like the European Championship, players rarely get the opportunity to showcase their skills. This is because even the most attack-minded coaches try to minimize the risk of mistakes that could lead to conceding goals. Teams, especially when leading, tend to play conservatively and defensively.
In the first semi-final match of Euro 2024, the Spanish team became more defensive after taking the lead, despite having numerous opportunities to exploit France’s defensive vulnerabilities and score more than two goals.
š ššØšš š§šš š šš” š šØš”ššš!!
WEEEEEEE ARE IN THE FINAAAAAAAALLLLL!!
š„³ THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!
š¶ YES; YES; YES; WE’RE GOING TO BERLIN!! š¶
šŖšø š š«š· | 2-1 | 90+6ā#VamosEspaƱa | #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/e3qQKXy9uc
ā Spanish Football (@SpainIsFootball) July 9, 2024
Even the Spanish team, renowned for their attacking style, slowed down the game’s pace and focused on ball possession after netting their second goal in this match.
However, fans were treated to six goals in this year’s Euro 2024 semi-final stage, allowing us to easily identify the top five players of this stage.
5. Jules KoundƩ
Jules KoundĆ© deserves high praise for his performance, despite his teamās defeat and the unfortunate own goal that resulted from a ricochet off his foot. He effectively neutralized Nico Williams, winning almost all of their duels.
Franceās best player at the Euroās.
Created more chances than anyone in the squad, locked up some of the most devastating 1v1 specialists in the game; a world-class CB turned world-class RB.
Jules KoundƩ, you sir, have done yourself proud! pic.twitter.com/g8czzlq3sa
ā Neal š¦šŗ (@NealGardner_) July 9, 2024
Additionally, KoundƩ was actively involved in attacks and helped his teammates create dangerous chances. In my opinion, Jules deserves to be in the symbolic team of the tournament because he consistently showed a high level of play in every game at Euro 2024.
4. Dani Olmo
It’s incredible that despite losing one of their best players, Pedri, to injury, Spain had another top player step up: Dani Olmo.
The French team was disorganized defensively, which gave the Spanish midfielders plenty of space to attack. Olmo capitalized on this in the first half, scoring the crucial winning goal for his team.
šØšŖšø Key detail on Dani Olmo: following Spain access to Euro 2024 final, the release clause will be valid until July 20 and no longer July 15.
There was this specific factor on the clause due to the Euros, now formally approved.
Clause worth ā¬60m, several clubs interested. pic.twitter.com/Xqt0wPIHJo
ā Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2024
At 26 years old, he has once again proven himself to be a top-class soccer player in Spain’s 4-2-1-3 formation. Playing alongside two wide forwards and one forward, Olmo found ample space and opportunities to shine. His exceptional dribbling ability and goal-scoring skills make him a key player for Spain.Ā
Had Spain maintained their attacking play, Olmo might have added more goals to his tally.
4. Xavi Simons
Xavi Simons played as a playmaker in previous matches, primarily positioning himself in the left half-space and forming a dynamic partnership with Cody Gakpo.
In the match against England, Simons played more in the right half-space, where he won the ball against Declan Rice and scored a beautiful goal against England.
Yesterday was so tough. But today, more than ever, I šš«š®š¬š šš”š š©š«šØššš¬š¬, I trust this team, and I trust that we will be back soon. Iām sure our time will come. Always @OnsOranje š§”š³š± pic.twitter.com/rnTkoQoSuD
ā Xavi Simons (@xavisimons) July 11, 2024
During the first half-hour, when the Netherlands played in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Xavi Simons had plenty of opportunities to prove himself with three attacking partners around him. However, after Memphis Depay was replaced by midfielder Joey Veerman, it became more difficult for Simons to find space.
The English were very organized in a low block in a 5-4-1 scheme and completely blocked the space between the lines, forcing Xavi Simons to move into deeper areas and pass more toward his end of the pitch.
Despite this, the Dutch player managed to create problems for the English through his dribbling ability, forcing them to commit fouls.
Xavi Simons’ celebration though š„¶ pic.twitter.com/zERehUxiyq
ā B/R Football (@brfootball) July 10, 2024
If Ronald Koeman had instructed Simons to shift to the left flank more often, alongside Cody Gakpo, they could have posed a greater threat to England.
2. Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins had only nine minutes to become the hero for the England squad. Throughout the tournament, England, under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, played with a narrow attacking style that lacked width and depth.
This approach made it easy for opponents to defend against the English forwards. Yesterday’s match was no different.Ā
Although England had some good moments in the first half-hour and played better than the Netherlands, it could be attributed to the tactical failings of the Netherlands, who were outnumbered in both the center of the field and on the flanks when they lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against England’s 3-2-2-3 setup.
āØš“ó §ó ¢ó „ó ®ó §ó æ Ollie Watkins: āI swear on my life, my kidās life, I said to Cole Palmer: weāre coming on today and youāre gonna set me upā.
27 goals and 13 assists for Aston Villa this season, his first chance at the Euros andā¦ he scored. pic.twitter.com/VMlRVJdqfn
ā Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2024
However, when Ronald Koeman switched the Netherlands to a 4-5-1 defensive formation, England lost momentum and failed to create any chances until the end of the match. Only when Ollie Watkins came on the field did England create a breakthrough and ultimately win the game with his goal.
Upon entering the game, Ollie Watkins immediately posed a threat to the Dutch defenders and, at the first opportunity, made a great diagonal run with a fantastic shot on goal.
Ollie Watkins: “I never thought I’d play at a EURO with England.” š„¹#EURO2024 | #NEDENG pic.twitter.com/WDE0wWZ27K
ā UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) July 10, 2024
While Harry Kane could have played similarly, the issue is that Southgate expects Harry to drop into deeper positions rather than making runs behind the defenders.
Regardless, Watkins did his job perfectly and deserves to be considered one of the best players of the Euro 2024 semi-final stage.
1. Lamine Yamal
The semifinal match against France was not the best for Spain at Euro 2024. Luis De La Fuente’s team lost Daniel Carvajal and Robin Le Normand to suspension before the match, weakening the Spanish squad. France quickly took advantage by opening the score. However, Lamine Yamal changed the course of the match with his goal, showcasing exceptional skill.
šÆš®āšØ pic.twitter.com/f20Q9fgfds
ā Lamine Yamal šŖšø (@LamineeYamal) July 10, 2024
Ironically, many journalists and fans expected goals from French players like Kylian MbappĆ© based on individual skill. Before the match, it was evident that France had a clear advantage in squad depth, particularly given Spain’s personnel problems.
Nevertheless, Yamal exploited the lack of cohesion in the French defense and scored a remarkable goal, becoming the youngest goal scorer in the history of the European Championship.
Stop that Lamine Yamal. pic.twitter.com/X7fvvDPe2G
ā Stop That Football (@stopthatfooty) July 11, 2024
In the final match of Euro 2024, he will face Kieran Trippier and Marc GuƩhi, and he will have the opportunity to score his fifth goal+pass action in five playoff matches. This performance could potentially earn him the title of the best young player of the tournament, as well as the best player of Euro 2024.
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