Euro 2024: Antoine Griezmann set to be benched in semi-final against Spain

Published at :July 8, 2024 at 3:21 AM

Modified at :July 8, 2024 at 3:21 AM

Griezmann has been the key star in France’s route to the semi-final.

According to a report from L’Equipe this Sunday, France’s vice-captain, 33-year-old Antoine Griezmann, is expected to be benched for the country’s Euro 2024 semi-final matchup against Spain.

This Tuesday in Munich, Les Bleus and La Roja will square off for a spot in the championship match. Didier Deschamps, the manager of France is considering if it would be advantageous to ‘not start’ Antoine Griezmann, who has not fared well in Germany, in order to counter Spain’s technical superiority.

The France manager is in a difficult situation since he needs to field a starting lineup that can both put up a dangerous offensive line that might exploit their opponents’ defensive weaknesses and defend against what is undoubtedly the strongest squad of the Euros.

Due to suspensions, the Spanish side led by Luis de la Fuente will not be able to rely on right-back Dani Carvajal (32), and centre-back Robin Le Normand (27), this Tuesday at Munich.

In the case of France, Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot (29) will likely return to the squad for the match after missing the quarterfinal due to suspension, despite Eduardo Camavinga’s (21) impressive performance against Portugal on Saturday.

The former PSG player is anticipated to start beside two defensive-minded midfielders, N’Golo Kanté (33), and Aurélien Tchouaméni (24) after getting some rest. Regarding the attackers, Didier Deschamps needs quick wingers against Spain and Antoine Griezmann‘s subpar performance at the Euros could work against him.

Conversely, Ousmane Dembélé, a 27-year-old winger for PSG, meets all of Deschamps’ standards for Tuesday’s matchup.

Due to his impressive cameo from the bench against Portugal, the erstwhile Barcelona player was given the Player of the Match title. Kylian Mbappé, 25, and Randal Kolo Muani, 25, are also expected to start against Spain.

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