Spain Beat France 2-1 in Euro 2024 Semifinal as Lamine Yamal Sparks Comeback

Q: Spain's defense hasn't conceded a single goal. Can Belgium's attack be the first to break the streak?

Yes — Belgium has the tools to score, but Spain still looks more likely to preserve its streak. Spain’s case is clear. Luis de la Fuente’s side has not conceded in five matches and has stretched its shutout run to 609 minutes. That record is built on more than goalkeeping: Unai Simón has been protected by Aymeric Laporte, Pau Cubarsí and a team structure that leads the tournament in forcing offsides and winning the ball high up the pitch. Spain has also allowed only 29 shots, far fewer than Belgium. Belgium, though, is the most dangerous attack Spain has faced so far. Rudi Garcia’s team has scored 13 goals, created volume, and showed its cutting edge in the 4-1 win over the United States. Leandro Trossard leads the tournament in chances created, and Belgium still has match-winners such as Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere and potentially Kevin De Bruyne if used. Their best route is likely through quick transitions, wide deliveries and runs behind Spain’s high line. The problem for Belgium is efficiency and balance. They have had 32 shots blocked, have looked uneven in front of goal at times, and are missing Amadou Onana, which weakens their midfield against Rodri and Pedri. That matters because Spain’s control of possession can starve opponents of the sustained pressure needed to break them down. So Belgium is capable of ending the clean-sheet run, but the evidence still points to Spain’s defense being more likely to hold firm than to crack.

3 articles · Updated · FOX Sports · Jul 11

Spain overturned an early deficit to beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semifinal, reaching the final and later completing the title run against England.
Randal Kolo Muani put France ahead, but Lamine Yamal's long-range strike and Dani Olmo's goal via a Jules Kounde deflection turned the match before halftime.
Spain entered that semifinal in stronger form after a perfect group stage and knockout wins over Georgia and Germany, while France had scraped through with 5 group-stage points and narrow victories over Belgium and Portugal.
The result remains a key reference point before their 2026 World Cup semifinal, with 16 Spain players and 15 France players from those Euro 2024 squads involved again.