High-scoring Spain face Mbappé’s dour France

MUNICH (AP):

SPAIN AND France meet in the semifinals of the European Championship today.

The match pits one of the highest-scoring teams against one of the lowest as France captain Kylian Mbappé has struggled to come to grips with his mask.

The winner will play England or the Netherlands in the final on Sunday in Berlin. Their semifinal is tomorrow.

Spain’s and France’s quarterfinals both went to extra time. Substitute Mikel Merino’s game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time handed Spain a 2-1 victory over host nation Germany, while France needed penalties to see off Portugal after the match ended goalless.

No France player has scored from open play at Euro 2024. The French have scored only through two own goals and a penalty from Mbappé. Spain have netted 11 times.

Mbappé, who will be facing several of his new Real Madrid teammates, will again be wearing a protective mask after sustaining a broken nose in France’s group opener against Austria.

Spain, who are chasing a record fourth European Championship title, have been perfect in Germany. They were the only team to win all of their group matches, while France could only muster draws against Poland and the Netherlands after a narrow win over Austria.

Some players to miss semifinal

Spain paid the price for their dramatic win over Germany and a number of players will miss the semifinal – and in some cases the final should La Roja get there – because of suspension or injury.

Midfielder Pedri was forced off in the eighth minute against Germany with a knee injury following a hefty challenge from Toni Kroos and has been ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024. He will again be replaced by Dani Olmo – who came on for the 21-year-old and went on to score the opener as well as set up Merino’s winner.

Dani Carvajal was sent off late in extra time for a second yellow card and will be suspended against France, as will fellow defender Robin le Normand after picking up another booking. Veteran Jesús Navas is likely to be tasked with marking Mbappé.

France coach Didier Deschamps has no injury problems as Marcus Thuram returned to training on Sunday, alleviating concerns he could miss the semifinal after taking a blow to his thigh at the end of the match against Portugal.

Spain and France have conceded only three goals between them. The only time France goalkeeper Mike Maignan had to pick the ball out of his net was Poland’s retaken penalty in the group stage, while Spain conceded against Georgia and Germany.

“We’re in the semifinals and it’s something we shouldn’t take for granted, even if we may be used to it recently. Now we go to win it,” said France coach Didier Deschamps.

“Very few people gave us a chance and staying under the radar helped us start the tournament with confidence. Spain is a team to respect. I knew we had a great team and that’s how it’s turned out,” said Spain defender Marc Cucurella.