EURO 2024 Semifinal Preview: Info, Odds & Insights

As the summer heat intensifies across Europe, so does the excitement surrounding EURO 2024. We’ve witnessed drama, skill, and intense matches in equal measure, but now the stage is set for two semifinal clashes that promise to deliver football of the highest calibre.

Four giants of the European game — Spain, France, Netherlands, and England — have battled their way through a surprising tournament to reach this penultimate stage. Each team carries the weight of a nation’s hopes on their shoulders, knowing they’re just two victories away from etching their names in footballing history.

As we approach these encounters, let’s preview what to expect in the semifinals and the teams’ hopes of reaching the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

The Quarterfinals Results

• Spain 2-1 Germany
• Portugal 0-0 France (France won 5-3 on penalties)
• England 1-1 Switzerland (England won 5-3 on penalties)
• Netherlands 2-1 Türkiye

READ MORE: UEFA EURO 2024 Quarterfinal Review: Highlights and Semifinal Matchups

First Semifinal: Spain vs France

The Allianz Arena in Munich is set to host a classic encounter — this semifinal marks Spain and France’s sixth meeting in major competitions. From their first encounter in the EURO 1984 final to group stage battles, round of 16 clashes, and quarterfinal duels, these two nations have consistently produced memorable matches on the biggest stages.

Historically, France has had the upper hand, winning three of their five tournament meetings. Les Bleus triumphed in the EURO 1984 final (2-0), the EURO 2000 quarterfinal (2-1), and the 2006 World Cup round of 16 (3-1). However, Spain won their most recent encounter, a 2-0 victory in the EURO 2012 quarterfinal. The only draw between these sides came in the EURO 1996 group stage, ending 1-1.

Under Luis de la Fuente’s guide, Spain enters this semifinal in great form. They’re the only team at EURO 2024 with a perfect record, winning all five of their matches. If they overcome France, they’ll set an unprecedented record of six wins in a single European Championship — a feat no team has ever achieved. Spain is also on a seven-game winning streak, their best run since a 12-game streak between June 2009 and June 2010.

France, on the other hand, brings a wealth of recent tournament experience to this semifinal. They’re aiming for their fourth EURO final appearance, having reached this stage in 1984, 2000, and 2016.

For Spain, this match represents an opportunity to reach their fifth EURO final, a number surpassed only by Germany’s six appearances. The Spaniards have an impressive record in the semifinals, progressing from four out of five. However, their last semifinal ended in heartbreak, losing on penalties to eventual winners Italy at EURO 2020.

As these two footballing giants prepare to face off, both carry the weight of expectation and the dream of glory. Spain aims to continue their perfect run and make history, while France looks to leverage their tournament experience and reach another final. With so much at stake, this semifinal promises to be an unmissable match.

What You Need To Know

• Date and Time: Tuesday, July 9, 2024 | 8 PM BST
• Venue: Allianz Arena (Munich Football Arena)
• Referee: Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
• Where to Watch (UK): BBC, ITV

Second Semifinal: Netherlands vs England

The Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund is set to host a fascinating encounter between two nations with rich footballing histories but relatively modest European Championship success: the Netherlands and England. This semifinal matchup promises to be a tense affair, with both teams eager to overcome their historical struggles at this stage of the competition.

The head-to-head record between these two sides heavily favours the Netherlands. England has managed just one victory in their last nine meetings across all competitions, a 1-0 friendly win in Amsterdam in March 2018. Against the Netherlands, England’s win rate stands at a mere 27% (6 wins, 9 draws, and 7 losses).

This semifinal marks the fourth meeting between England and the Netherlands at a major tournament. Their first clash came at EURO 1988, where Marco van Basten’s spectacular hat-trick granted the Netherlands a 3-1 victory. The 1990 World Cup saw a tense, goalless draw between the sides. England’s sole tournament triumph against the Dutch came at EURO 1996, a 4-1 win that remains one of the Three Lions’ most memorable European Championship performances.

For England, this match is their fourth appearance in a European Championship semifinal, a stage that has often been cruel to them. They were eliminated in their first two attempts — in 1968 against Yugoslavia and in 1996 against Germany. The Three Lions only broke their semifinal curse at EURO 2020, defeating Denmark 2-1 to reach their first-ever European Championship final. They’ll be eager to replicate that success and go one step further this time around.

The Netherlands, despite their reputation as one of Europe’s footballing powerhouses, share a surprisingly poor record in the European Championship semifinals. They’ve been eliminated in four of their five previous semifinal appearances, with their last semifinal match dating back to 2004. Their sole success at this stage came in 1988 when they defeated hosts Germany 2-1, a victory that led them to the final and their only European Championship title to date.

This semifinal represents a significant opportunity for both teams. For England, it’s a chance to reach consecutive European Championship finals and potentially end their long wait for a major trophy. For the Netherlands, it’s an opportunity to recapture the glory of 1988 and prove they can overcome their semifinal curse.

What You Need To Know

• Date and Time: Wednesday, July 10, 2024 | 8 PM BST
• Venue: Signal Iduna Park (BVB Stadion Dortmund)
• Referee: Felix Zwayer (Germany)
• Where to Watch (UK): BBC, ITV

The Road to the Final in Berlin

The winners from these two matches will meet in the final on Sunday, 14 July, at 8 pm (BST) in the iconic Olympiastadion Berlin. This arena — which also hosted the 1936 Olympics, the 2006 World Cup final, the opening game of the 2011 Women’s World Cup, and the 2015 Champions League final — is set to add another chapter to its storied past.

With four footballing powerhouses competing for a place in the final, we’re guaranteed a match of the highest calibre. Don’t miss this thrilling conclusion to what has been an unforgettable EURO 2024!

Betting Odds

For those interested in placing bets on the EURO 2024 semifinals, here are the current odds from 7bet:

The odds are correct as of the date of publication.

More info: 7bet