France and Spain, two international powerhouses with rich history and bright future, go head-to-head for 2026 World Cup semifinal at Dallas Stadium. But before that, make we yarn about how dem don clash for major tournaments over years.
The most recent meeting be for Euro 2024 semifinal. Spain come into that match flying, winning all three group matches, then beat Georgia for round of 16 and knock out host Germany for quarterfinal. France, on the other hand, struggle small, failing to win dem group, before lackluster wins over Belgium and Portugal. Spain get 16 players from Euro 2024 squad for this World Cup, while France get 15.
For that Euro 2024 match, Kolo Muani score early goal for France, but Lamine Yamal reply with long-distance pearler, and Dani Olmo score off Jules Koundé deflection, giving Spain 2-1 lead at halftime. Spain hold on to win and later beat England for final.
Before that, for Euro 2012 quarterfinal, Spain face France. France come into tournament managed by Laurent Blanc, trying to clean up from 2010 World Cup humiliation. Spain, coming off Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup wins, be dynasty. Xabi Alonso score early goal and late penalty, giving Spain 2-0 win. Spain go on to win Euro 2012.
For 2006 World Cup round of 16, France face Spain. France fail to win dem group, while Spain win dem group. But France still get Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, and Franck Ribéry. Spain take early lead through David Villa penalty, but Ribéry equalize before halftime, Vieira score late from set piece, and Zidane add stoppage-time insurance goal. France go all the way to final.
For Euro 2000 quarterfinal, all three goals come for first half. Zidane score free kick for France, Gaizka Mendieta equalize from penalty spot, but Youri Djorkaeff score go-ahead goal just before halftime. Young Raúl miss late penalty, sending France to semifinals. France go on to win Euro 2000.
For Euro 1996 group stage, France and Spain draw 1-1, with goals from Djorkaeff and José Luis Caminero. France top group with seven points, Spain finish second with five.
For 1984 European Championship final, France win 2-0 against Spain, dem first major tournament victory. Michel Platini score nine goals for tournament, including one for final. Bruno Bellone add insurance goal. Spain no reach another major final until Euro 2008.
