UEFA European Under 21 Championship: Spain vs France preview

The second semi-final of the 2019 UEFA European Under 21 Championship will take place on Thursday evening in Reggio Emilia, where Group A winners Spain will take on Group C runners-up France at the Mapei Stadium. The two sides have last met in the qualifying round of this competition in 2001, and at that time France grabbed a 1-1 draw in Spain before securing a 3-0 victory at home. However, Spain have the advantage overall as they have won 4 of the 7 direct matches, while France have won just one. Moreover, Spain have won three out of three against France at final tournaments. 

Spain have won this tournament twice in a row in 2011 and 2013 and they have also won it twice before, in 1998 and 1986. This time they had the worst possible start as they lost 3-1 to host nation Italy in the inaugural match, but then defeated Belgium 2-1 and Poland 5-0 to finish at the top of the group table. They were quite lucky to qualify as both Poland and Italy were tied with them on six points, but Spain had the superior goal difference. They have a clean bill of health ahead of this match and no suspensions either. 

France have won this tournament just once, all the way back in 1988, but now the fans have big expectations after the senior team won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. There is plenty of talent in the squad and they have proven their worth with their 2-1 victory over England and 1-0 win over Croatia. The French were unable to get more than a goalless draw in their final group match against Romania, but the seven points allowed them to qualify from second place. Jonathan Bamba remains the only injury concern for the French, while Moussa Dembele is expected to return to the starting eleven after having missed the match against Romania. 

Probable line-ups: 

Spain: Sivera - Aguirregabiria, Mere, Vallejo, Martin - Ruiz, Roca - Olmo, Ceballos, Fornals - Oyarzabal

France: Bernardoni - Dagba, Konate, Upamecano, Sarr - Ikone, Guendouzi, Tousart, Thuram - Reine-Adelaide - Dembele

My prediction: 

Both teams have plenty of talent in their ranks, but Spain have been more convincing than France so far. I expect a 1-0 victory for Spain, they should be in control of the match. 

Here are the odds for the match at Bet365: 

Spain win - 2.20

Draw - 3.40

France win - 3.20