Spain and France will face each other for the fifth time in European Championship history. France has a slight edge with past victories, but Spain won their last meeting, where they also became champions.
Spain’s strong performance contrasts with France’s less impressive progress. The match promises high intensity with many top players involved.
Their rivalry began in the 1984 European Championship Final, where France won their first title with goals from Michel Platini and Bruno Bellone.
In the 1996 Group Stage, the teams drew 1-1 in Leeds. Youri Djorkaeff scored for France, and José Luis Caminero equalized for Spain. Four years later, France beat Spain 2-1 in the Euro 2000 quarter-finals in Bruges, with goals from Zinedine Zidane and Djorkaeff. Gaizka Mendieta scored for Spain. France went on to win the tournament.
Spain ended their losing streak against France in the 2012 quarter-finals. Xabi Alonso scored both goals for the team, which later became champions under Vicente del Bosque.
Spanish coach Luis Enrique said, “Our past wins give us confidence, but we must stay focused and respect the French team.”
